Victoria Beckham is new American Idol

Victoria Beckham has been lined up to replace Paula Abdul as a judge on the hit US TV show American Idol.

The former Spice Girl was approached for the role by Simon Cowell after Abdul revealed she was quitting the show after eight years.

Posh, 35, who yesterday fuelled talk of a return to the Premiership for husband David Beckham when her spokesman confirmed they are interested in buying a house in Chelsea, will make a reported £155,000 for filming at least two episodes.

The pop singer-turned fashion designer will join Cowell and other hosts Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi for the new series which begins tomorrow night.

A source said: "Victoria is hugely flattered as this is one of the highest profile gigs in America. It's a really big deal, Victoria's profile Stateside has never been higher.

"Network bosses would love to give her the job full-time and it looks like it's there for her if she wants it.

"Victoria's appearance on American Idol is sure to provide a massive ratings boost in the UK so, really, everyone's a winner."

Posting on her Twitter account on Tuesday night Abdul said: "With sadness in my heart, I've decided not to return. I'll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all being a part of a show that I helped from day 1 become an international phenomenon."

In a statement, Fox and the show's producers said Abdul was "an important part of the 'American Idol' family over the last eight seasons and we are saddened that she has decided not to return to the show."

Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, American Idol is the most popular show in the US with the last series drawing an average 26.3 million viewers per episode.

Victotria's spokesman declined to comment.