NICK Grimshaw and Caroline Flack are leaving The X Factor after just a year
in a shake-up by
axeman boss Simon Cowell.
Radio 1 presenter Grimmy’s exit comes after a difficult debut year as a judge
on the hit ITV talent show, where he
faced private criticism from Cowell behind the scenes about his
lacklustre performances contributing to a ratings slump.
He made the decision to walk at Christmas after weeks of rumours he would be
replaced by One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson.
Grimmy, 31, confirmed last night he would not return — but insisted it was his
decision to leave.
His spokesman told The Sun: “After careful consideration, Nick’s decided to
rule himself out as a judge on this year’s X Factor.
“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.”
X Factor insiders said Grimshaw’s departure had been inevitable for some time.
A show source said: “Nick made the decision to jump before he was pushed and
that is completely understandable.”
A show spokesman said: “We wish him all the best.”
The five nails in DJ’s coffin
1 — Grimmy criticised Simon’s dress sense, including his love of
high-waisted trousers.
2 — He disagreed with the mogul during boot camp, causing his boss to
hang up on him.
3 — The star joked about attacking Simon with acid, then issued a
grovelling apology.
4 — He did some dodgy dad dancing during audition rounds.
5 — His close friendship with Rita and Cheryl meant there was limited
tension on the judging panel.
Louis v Louis: Titans Tomlinson and Walsh set to battle for X Factor seat
ONE Direction’s Louis Tomlinson will battle it out with his namesake Louis
Walsh to replace Nick Grimshaw on The X Factor, insiders revealed.
As Grimmy confirmed last night that he would not return, both pop star
Tomlinson and former judge Walsh, 63, were said to be in the running for his
job.
A show source said: “Louis Tomlinson is very likely to replace Grimmy. He
agreed in principle to the job while assisting Simon Cowell during the
judges’ houses round last year.
“But Simon remains very fond of Louis Walsh and came very close to bringing
him back during last year’s live shows.
“He felt a certain something was missing on the show without him.”
Tomlinson, 24, told The Sun last year: “I’m the biggest X Factor fan and would
love to be there week in, week out and really give that level of passion. I
think I’d be a decent judge.”
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Caroline Flack, 36, will join Grimshaw in departing the show.
The Strictly champion, former host of spin-off The Xtra Factor, is the victim
of negative feedback about her presenting partnership with singer Olly Murs.
The pair replaced long-term host Dermot O’Leary, 42 — who we recently revealed
had been sounded out about a return.
Caroline is now in negotiations to appear in the West End version of musical
Chicago — a role she would not be able to take if she continued X Factor.
A show source said: “Caroline’s a really experienced broadcaster but the
combination of two presenters just didn’t work out this year.
“It’s unfortunate for her, but the decision gives her the opportunity to take
on a major West End role, which is something she’s wanted for a long time.”
Cowell, 56, wants newly single Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, 32, to return to the
show’s panel.
But the fate of Olly, 31 and 25-year-old Rita Ora — another new judge — is not
yet clear.
Rita joined The X Factor last year after being poached from BBC’s rival talent
show The Voice. Last week she openly encouraged a bidding war between the
shows to secure her services.
She said: “I hope they keep fighting over me, I don’t mind at all.
I don’t know what is going on, but I like it.”
The singer has yet to decide whether she will continue on the programme,
adding: “I haven’t made a decision. I’ve been focusing on recording my new
album.”
An X Factor spokesman said: “Discussions are still going on about the new
series.”