Whitney Houston will make her long-awaited comeback on the forthcoming series of The X Factor, according to reports.

The singer is set to perform her new single on the programme in October, as well as hold a masterclass for finalists.

A source told the Daily Mirror: "Simon Cowell is cock-a-hoop."

A host of big names, including Madonna and Rihanna, are also reported to be making guest appearances on the new series, which starts on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the X Factor has come under fire from the performers' union Equity.

The body said the talent contest was guilty of "cheap exploitation" because it does not pay contestants.