Sharon will use Skype to communicate with 'X Factor' contestants

Sharon Osbourne will mentor her 'X Factor' contestants via Skype.

The returning judge - who was previously a panellist on the programme from 2004 to 2007 - will use the internet video call service to keep in touch with her hopefuls when she jets back first class to the US to host chat show 'The Talk', with ITV set to fork out £13,000 per trip.