‘X Factor’: Rita Ora Quits The Panel Ahead Of New Series

Rita Ora has decided what to do about this year’s ‘X Factor’, opting to leave the show.

The star triumphed last year, winning with hopeful Louisa Johnson, but she’s now decided to bow out on a high, quitting the panel to focus on other projects.

The star confirmed the news on Twitter, writing: 

Her tweets came following an article in The Sun, which quoted a source as saying: “Losing Rita is a huge blow – she’s one of the biggest stars in the country and Simon wanted her to return.

“She was very keen to do the show but at the end of the day it didn’t work out with her other commitments around the world in music and acting.

“It means we’re going to have to go through the biggest shake-up in the history of ‘X Factor’, but maybe it will turn out for the best.”

Rita’s other commitments include the upcoming ‘Fifty Shades’ sequel, which is currently being filmed.

Meanwhile, Si has a huge task on his hands, as it’s already been announced that Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and Nick Grimshaw won’t be returning to the panel.

According to reports, the Syco Music boss is hoping that Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh will return to the show.

The presenting team has also changed, with Dermot O’Leary stepping back into his old role after a year away, replacing Caroline Flack and Olly Murs.