Cilla Black has revealed she rejected the opportunity to star as a judge on the new series of The X Factor.
She didn't accept the role because she would have felt too cruel rejecting those who didn't meet industry standards.
Speaking to Radio Times magazine, Cilla said: "I've been asked to be a judge.
"I couldn't because I wouldn't be able to tell the truth. The meanest I'd get is saying, 'It hasn't worked out for you this time, but go back and do your homework.'
"I couldn't be like Simon Cowell. He's not nasty, by the way, but tells it like it is."
She also joked that there would be no competition that could beat her if she entered the contest today.
"Today I'd be the first in the queue for 'The X Factor' and there's no doubt whatsoever that I'd win."
Talking about her career she confessed that being rich was never the major thing when chasing her dreams, but instead making it as a star.
"Fame was my objective. I'd have been very happy on £25 a week. I didn't know how much I earned, and when people said I was the highest-paid person on TV I wasn't interested."
Now she has her sights set on becoming a Dame, adding: "You don't become a dame for doing what you enjoy, as I have, but if they want to give me one I wouldn't turn it down."
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