X Factor: Nick Grimshaw quits, Caroline Flack dropped as presenter
There is currently no word on the fates of fellow judges Rita Ora or Cheryl Fernandez-Versini
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Your support makes all the difference.Now in its 13th year, you'd be mistaken for thinking The X Factor had run its course. However, recent rumours suggesting it faced cancellation were dispelled upon the announcement that it would, in fact, be continuing - and now the first shake up to this year's judging panel has been revealed: Nick Grimshaw has quit.
The Sun reports that, after a one-year stint, the Radio 1 DJ has decided to step down following a tumultuous run which saw him contend with criticism from the show's boss Simon Cowell.
“After careful consideration, Nick’s decided to rule himself out as a judge on this year’s X Factor," his spokesperson said.
“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.”
It isn't just the judging panel that will be rejigged - the presenting team are set to be also. Last year, both Olly Murs and Caroline Flack were upgraded from hosts of ITV2 sister show The Xtra Factor, taking over from The X Factor's previous host Dermot O'Leary.
But in a drastic move, Flack has reportedly been axed from the role - despite much of the viewers' negativity stemming from Murs' live errors (including the doozy below).
Rumours suggest that either One Direction's Louis Tomlinson or former judge Louis Walsh could join the panel.
There is no word on whether judges Rita Ora, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini or host Murs will return.
Initially, it was unclear whether the talent series would even return following the news that ITV had poached The Voice from the BBC. However, upon confirmation of its 13th series, an executive producer commented that The X Factor had a "finite lifespan."
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