Entertainment Music

Simon Cowell quits as X Factor UK judge

Frankie Genchi

Simon Cowell won’t be returning to the UK X Factor as a judge.

Simon will be too busy with the US version of the talent show to judge full time on the UK version.

“We have been in constant negotiations with Simon about ways in which we can move things forward and help The X Factor evolve,” ITV chief Peter Fincham said in a statement.

“We have been aware that his on-screen involvement in this series will not be as great as ­previous years for months now. It is something that we are ­completely ­comfortable with. He will not be a weekly judge.”

They hope to get Simon involved in some way though.

“We are talking to him about ways he can have an on-screen presence later in the show,” added Peter.

“He will be an enormous presence backstage as always.”

Dannii Minogue and Louis Walsh will be reprising their roles, however Cheryl Cole is expected to quit if she lands a job on the US version.