X Factor's shake-up

US version of show loses judges and host...

09:43 31 January 2012

Steve Jones, Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul will not return to The X Factor USA for its second season, it has been reported.

Bosses at the show had teased major changes to the second season of the musical competition, but the news that only Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid will return has shocked viewers.

Steve Jones first revealed that he was not returning as host by tweeting:

"I wont be hosting next seasons X Factor which is a shame but I cant complain as I've had a great time. Good luck to everyone on the show (sic)."

A short while later, sources then reported that Scherzinger too was exiting the show, with an insider telling E!:

"She wants to focus on her music career. She's spoken to Simon [Cowell] and he's given her his blessing.

"X Factor took a lot more of her time than she ever expected. She didn't have any time really to work on her music. She was doing X Factor six days a week."

Scherzinger's spokesperson has yet to comment, but a rep for Fox has confirmed the news.

It has now also been reported that Paula Abdul is to leave the show, with the news being confirmed by E!:

"She found out today. At this point, the only ones staying are Simon and L.A. Reid."