Steve Jones and Nicole Scherzinger Won't Return to 'The X Factor'
Steve Jones and Nicole Scherzinger, two of the people who helped start The X Factor in the United States, will not be sticking around for season two of the singing competition, the Fox network said Monday.
Mr. Jones was the host and Ms. Scherzinger was one of four judges on the show, which wrapped up its first season on Fox in December. Their futures on the show had been fuzzy because the creator of The X Factor, Simon Cowell, had let it be known that changes were in store for season two.
Mr. Cowell, formerly a judge on American Idol, imported The X Factor from Britain for Fox.
Mr. Jones, a native of Wales, wrote on Twitter on Monday evening that it was a shame he would not be hosting the show again. But I cant complain as Ive had a great time, he added. Good luck to everyone on the show.
A Fox spokeswoman confirmed that he would not be returning. Ms. Scherzinger was momentarily thought of as a replacement because she was initially cast as Mr. Joness co-host before becoming a judge last year. But later on Monday evening, E! Online reported that Ms. Scherzinger would not be returning to The X Factor either, and Fox confirmed that change, as well.
The network did not make any announcements about replacements, but it has no particular reason to hurry: The X Factor is not expected to be back on Foxs schedule until the fall.