Simon Cowell has reportedly dropped Nicole Scherzinger from this years X Factor.
Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne have contracts for this year although reports suggest their future is in doubt and contracts could be terminated,
Simon Cowell has been secretly plotting a massive overhaul of the ITV talent show according to The Sun newspaper in a bid to attract a younger audience,
A show source said: “Louis and Simon remain great friends and it’s not a simple decision to let him go. But serious eyebrows were raised when Louis went public with his hearing loss in a Specsavers campaign about hearing aids.
“It obviously raises the question about whether he’s a suitable judge for a show that aims to find young pop stars.”
Sharon split her time last year between London and LA where she was on the panel of a daily talk show.
Reportedly, Craig David and One Direction's Louis Tomlinson are both in the running to take over Louis' spot on the show.
Who could take over Nicole's and possibly Sharon's role?
Alesha Dixon could come over from Britain's Got Talent having proved popular when she stood in on X Factor last year.
Cheryl is said to have been in talks to return, but she is involved with Simon's new show The Greatest Dancer.
An insider said: “Cheryl is the top choice and she is keen to come on board. “But as yet, the conversations taking place have been unofficial, because we can’t begin official talks with anyone until the show’s schedule is agreed.
Kylie Minogue and Mariah Carey have also been approached.
Last night a show source confirmed to the newspaper: “There are no plans for Nicole to return to The X Factor this year. Other announcements about the judging line-up will be made in due course.
“It is possible either Sharon or Louis could still return because both have contracts.”
