Rita Ora QUITS The X Factor – sparking ‘biggest shake up’ in show’s history

THE X Factor judging panel has been completely shaken up in recent years, with some household names leaving, and other returning.

And it looks like there might be another change, as Rita Ora has pulled out of the ITV show.

A source told The Sun: “Losing Rita is a huge blow – she’s one of the biggest stars in the country and Simon wanted her to return.

“She was very keen to do the show but at the end of the day it didn’t work out with her other commitments around the world in music and acting.

“It means we’re going to have to go through the biggest shake-up in the history of X Factor, but maybe it will turn out for the best.”

The X Factor is set to begin filming again in just a few weeks, but with Cheryl and Nick Grimshaw announcing they won’t be returning, it seems Simon Cowell will be on the panel by himself at this rate.

It has been rumoured Louis Walsh could be making a surprise return to the show, just a year after he left, after viewers frequently commented on how much he was missed during the last series.

The Britain’s Got Talent panelist is also reportedly keen on re-recruiting former judges Sharon Osbourne and Nicole Scherzinger, but neither have confirmed their plans as of yet.

A source told the Daily Star that Simon and his bosses “agree Nicole would be the perfect person to join the line-up.

“Not only is she glamorous and gorgeous, which obviously helps with the press, she also gets on well with everyone.

Unfortunately, the 56 year old may have a problem signing up the former Pussycat Doll, as she is due to star in the Broadway production of Cats in New York later this year.

It’s not just the mentors that have been shaken up for the upcoming series, with hosts Olly Murs and Caroline Flack being replaced by Dermot O’Leary.

Daily Star