Whitney Houston To Star On X Factor

Whitney Houston is set to return to U.K. TV for the first time in 13 years - on Britain's hit talent contest The X Factor.

Simon Cowell has persuaded the star to sign up for a spectacular appearance on the show on 18 October, when she will sing her latest track I Look To You.

The I Will Always Love You singer is the latest superstar to be linked with performing on the series - Robbie Williams has confirmed he will appear, while Madonna, Rihanna and Amy Winehouse are all rumoured to be planning guest slots.

The A-list appearances are a coup for Cowell, who saw ratings for his show soar after Beyonce appeared on last year's final to duet with eventual winner Alexandra Burke.

Britney Spears also made her U.K. TV comeback on the show - she sang Womanizer on last year's series after a four-year hiatus from the British small screen.