The comedian, 64, will reportedly sit alongside Gary Barlow, 50, Craig David, 40, and Mabel, 25, on Walk The Line, The Sun revealed.
The show will see aspiring singers compete for a £500,000 prize, with Dawn supposedly completing the panel after catching Simon’s eye with her extensive showbiz experience.
A source said: ‘The comedian may seem like a surprising choice for a judge on a contest that’s all about music, until you realise she’s always had a crush on her new boss.
‘Simon is also partial to having a comic on his panels to bring some laughs, with David Walliams and Michael McIntyre previously judges on Britain’s Got Talent.
‘But she also comes with over 40 years of experience in showbiz, starring in sitcoms, sketch shows, films and on the West End. So she knows how to spot talent.’
The news comes after Simon himself quit the show and hired Gary Barlow to take his place at the desk.
The X Factor judge, 62, decided to step down to spend more time with his family.
Simon praised the Take That star’s ‘pedigree,’ telling The Sun: ‘Gary’s musical pedigree is second to none, and we have known each other a long time now, so I am delighted he is picking up the baton for me for the first series of Walk The Line. I know he will do a fantastic job.’
The music manager will instead take an off-air role as an executive producer.
His decision comes 15 months after having critical back surgery over an injury following an electric bike accident in 2020.
Songwriter Gary previously worked with Simon as a judge on The X Factor.
Walk The Line will hit our screens later this year as a singing competition with a twist – the longer an act stays in the show, the bigger their prize pot will be.
Soloists, bands and choirs will then have to compete against a fresh set of musicians.
The show will be hosted by Maya Jama and comes after The X Factor came to an end following 17 series.
Metro.co.uk has contacted reps for ITV and Dawn French for comment.
Walk The Line will air on ITV later this year.
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