Cheryl-we-don't-know-what-last-name-to-call-her-anymore has confirmed she won't be returning to the next season of the X Factor as she plans to focus on her solo career (and her new bf Liam no doubt).
The former Girls Aloud star reportedly broke the news to Simon Cowell this past weekend over dinner, and has said in a statement; "I have had such an amazing experience being a judge on The X Factor. I have learnt so much and enjoyed nurturing talent but I’ve missed making music and am excited to be recording again.
"I want to thank everybody I have worked with along the way, especially Simon who I love to bits. I hope the show continues to produce stars and I wish them all the best."
While Simon said; "Cheryl and myself spoke about this. I totally understand her commitment to making more records. She has been amazing on the show and in the near future we will be working on other things together."
Cheryl originally joined the X Factor back in 2008, with two of her acts going on to win the show - Alexandra Burke and Joe McElderry. She then left the judges panel in 2010 to head stateside for their version of the competition, although as you may recall, that didn't exactly go to plan and led to a massive fallout between Cheryl and Simon at the time. However they kissed and made up with Cheryl returning to the show in 2014.
A spokesperson for The X Factor said; "Cheryl has been a great judge and mentor during her time on The X Factor, from her early years of winning with two of her acts – Alexandra Burke and Joe McElderry - through to last year’s series where she took Reggie ’N’ Bollie into the final. We’d like to thank Cheryl for her contribution to the show and wish her all the best with her return to music."
Her exit from the show follows the news that Nick Grimshaw, Caroline Flack and Olly Murs will also not be returning to the next series of X Factor, while Dermot O'Leary will thankfully be back on hosting duties.
There's many a rumour too that Simon wants Louis Walsh back, which may be even more likely now considering Cheryl and Louis' fractious relationship.
Who the other judges might be though is anyone's guess, although considering last year's falling ratings, Simon will need to choose wisely.
