LOS ANGELES: TV chiefs want Victoria Beckham to replace Paula Abdul on American Idol.

Billionaire show producer Simon Fuller, who managed the Spice Girls, is in talks to hire Posh, 35, as a judge.

It comes after Paula, 47, Wednesday revealed on her Twitter web page that she was quitting America's biggest show - despite auditions starting today.

A source said: "Paula's absence leaves a big gap on the judging panel. At least 25 million viewers tune in every week.

"It needs a big star. Simon Cowell and Victoria have always got on. It would be an incredible coup to get Posh. She was in one of the biggest girl groups in history so she knows what she is talking about. Simon Fuller is now speaking to her."

Paula's exit leaves Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi and Simon Cowell on the panel.

Paula said: "I'll miss being a part of a show that I helped become an international phenomenon."