Britney Spears facing The X Factor axe - report

BRITNEY SPEARS is facing the axe from U.S. TV talent show THE X FACTOR, according to reports.

Insiders tell Us Weekly magazine that show producers were far from impressed by the singer's performance on the hit series this year (12) and they're keen to let her go after just one season as a judge/mentor.

Spears joined the program in May (12) alongside Demi Lovato, and picked up a reported $15 million (GBP9.4 million) pay cheque for the gig.

News of her alleged imminent departure comes just a week after fellow judge L.A. Reid announced he wouldn't be returning to the show for its third season.

Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger and Cheryl Cole have all previously been axed as judges on the show.

The X Factor's second season wrapped last week (ends21Dec12) with 37-year-old country singer Tate Stevens winning the recording contract prize.