We know it was coming, but Tulisa Contostavlos has confirmed that she will not be returning for another series of the X Factor via her official twitter account.

She leaves the show with a decent enough record, having won the competition with her 'little muffins' Little Mix during her 2011 debut. There's no word as yet as regards who will replace the singer, but sure aren't we almost 100 per cent certain it will be Sharon Osbourne at this stage?

Our own Louis Walsh has been dropping hints about the panel for the new series over the last few weeks, allegedly confirming that Gary Barlow will be back. This year marks Louis' 10th on the panel, an achievement that he's been rather vocal about of late. Anyway, we're sure we'll be hearing a lot more about the new judging line-up over the next few weeks, but we do wish Cowell would just come out with it and get it over with. It's not as if anyone really cares any more.

'Urban roots' fans need not worry though: Tulisa's promised us some exciting news very soon. Yeah, because we'll be hanging by the phone for that...