Just days after it was revealed that Nick Grimshaw wouldn't be returning to The X Factor's judging panel, it's been confirmed that co-presenters Olly Murs and Caroline Flack have quit, too.
The three stars were brought in for last year's series of the ITV singing competition, which was given a major shake-up by the show's boss Simon Cowell. Caroline and Olly replaced Dermot O'Leary, who had presented the show for seven years, while Nick joined the judging panel, along with Rita Ora, to take the places of long-standing judge Louis Walsh and one-time judge Mel B.
Following the announcement that Nick had decided to return the show, a spokesman for the Radio 1 DJ said: "After careful consideration, Nick has decided to rule himself out as a judge on this year's X Factor. He love 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."
Wrapped Up singer Olly said he had chosen not to return to the ITV show later this year in order to dedicate more time to his music.
Nick Grimshaw, Caroline Flack and Olly Murs have quit The X Factor (ITV/PA)
Olly told The Sun: “This was an incredibly hard decision to make and one I didn’t take lightly as I’ve really enjoyed co-hosting The X Factor.
“It’s been one big adventure and I loved every minute of it. But my heart belongs to music and I want to concentrate 100% on making my next album and getting back to performing.”
X Factor’s Caroline Flack and Olly Murs (ITV)
Last week, Caroline Flack brushed off rumours that she was being given the push, but later confirmed she had quit the show.
"I have had a brilliant time working on the show," said Caroline, who has signed up to a second series of dating show Love Island. "I made some amazing friends. I'm looking forward to carrying on working with the team at ITV."
As for the new line-up in the 2016 series of The X Factor, which is due to return in the autumn, there's been much speculation that One Direction's Louis Tomlinson could join the judging panel. And it's even been rumoured that Dermot O'Leary could return as presenter!
Meanwhile, there's been no word about Rita Ora – who left BBC1's rival show The Voice – to be a judge on The X Factor. Now that her fellow new recruits have quit, will she follow suit?
