Sharon Osbourne has announced she won’t be returning to The X Factor this year as a judge for the live shows.
Earlier this year, the show’s boss Simon Cowell revealed that Sharon – who was on the panel of the first ever series in 2004 – was going to be an “impartial judge” for the live shows.
But Sharon has now said she’s decided to “pass” on this year’s series as she would feel “odd” coming in at this point because judges Simon, Robbie Williams, Ayda Field and Louis Tomlinson are “doing brilliantly” without her.
Read more: Sharon Osbourne ‘risking sack’ from X Factor after Simon Cowell rant
Sharon released a statement to her Facebook page just hours after The Sun claimed she was sacked from X Factor following her foul-mouthed rant last month, insulting Simon and the show.
Insisting that wasn’t the case, Sharon said: “This is my official statement regarding X Factor. If it reads differently in the papers then it’s been altered.
“After watching the new season #XFactor unfold, I’ve seen the new judges finding their rhythm and are doing brilliantly.
“Simon was so gracious to find me a spot on the live shows but at this point I really don’t think I’m needed and I would honestly feel odd coming in at this point. So I have decided to pass on the series this year.”
She added: “I wish the show continued success and as much as I love to get my face on TV you will have to do without me this season. Loves ya, Mrs. O.”
A spokesperson for ITV backed Sharon’s comments, saying in a statement: “The X Factor can confirm Sharon Osbourne has decided not to return to this year’s show.
“Sharon will always be a big part of The X Factor family and we wish her all the best for the future.”
Last month, Sharon raised eyebrows during an interview on The Howard Stern Show, when she claimed Simon would do anything to get his “fat face” on television, before claiming she wanted to “drown” him and branded the show a “[expletive] karaoke.”
She also said during the interview that she was “still waiting to hear” whether she’d receive a pay rise from ITV this year as her contract has a clause in it meaning she must be paid the same – rumoured to be around £10 million – as the highest paid stars on the talent show.
Read more: Simon Cowell addresses sacking Sharon Osbourne after THAT outburst
Hours before Sharon’s announced her departure from the show, The Sun claimed a source told them: “Sharon is going to try and spin this as her choice to leave, but after that disgusting interview there was no way Simon Cowell or the executives would have her back on the panel.
“Not only did she make shocking attacks on him, she [expletive] off the show itself and the lovely members of the public who decide to audition. Good riddance to her.”
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