‘The X Factor’ is undergoing yet another shake-up after Nick Grimshaw confirmed he is leaving the show after just one year as a judge.
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New presenters Caroline Flack and Olly Murs are also set to be axed by Simon Cowell, according to reports.
Radio 1 Breakfast host Grimmy has insisted it was his decision to leave the ITV singing competition, saying it was ‘very much a once-in-a-lifetime experience’.
The most recent incarnation of the 'X Factor' team
His spokesperson told The Sun: “After careful consideration, Nick’s decided to rule himself out as a judge on this year’s X Factor.
“He loved working on last year’s series alongside Rita, Cheryl and Simon but it was very much a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
"He remains a massive fan of the show and is looking forward to watching it this year.”
Show insiders added that his departure was always a matter of when, not if.
A source said: “Nick made the decision to jump before he was pushed and that is completely understandable.”
Caroline Flack and Olly Murs
Meanwhile, it looks like Caroline Flack and Olly Murs will also be casualties of Simon Cowell’s bid to improve the dwindling ratings for the show, which is set for its twelfth series later this year.
The pair came under fire for a series of presenting mishaps during the last series, with many viewers calling for the return of former host, Dermot O’Leary.
Earlier this month, a source revealed that there had been a 'quiet approach' to Dermot's management company to discuss his return.
An early favourite to replace Nick Grimshaw on the judging panel is One Direction star Louis Tomlinson, who joined Simon Cowell at the Judges’ Houses stage last year and has expressed an interest in joining the show.
Louis Tomlinson
Former show favourite Louis Walsh is also reportedly being considered after taking a year out from the judging panel.
An ‘X Factor’ spokesman insisted that no decisions had been made about who would host this year’s series but details would be announced soon.
They told The Mirror: “Nick was a great mentor on last year’s series. He did a fantastic job with the boys’ category and we’d like to thank him for all his hard work. We are sad to see him go but wish him all the best.
“Details for the new series of The X Factor are still being discussed and will be announced in due course.”