Rita Ora quits The X Factor to focus on her music career

Rita is the latest judge to leave the show

Published 10th May 2016

Rita Ora has sensationally quit The X Factor after just one year on the show.

She may have been victorious, winning the show with teenager Louisa Johnson, but now Rita has left the show to focus on her own music career.

The 25-year-old is also set to continue her role in the second instalment of Fifty Shades of Grey and believes it would be too much with her X Factor commitments as well.

Simon Cowell, Cheryl, Rita Ora, Nick Grimshaw, Caroline Flack and Olly Murs | © PA Images

A source for the show said "Rita will not be taking part in the show, 2016 is going to be all about her music career and that doesn't leave enough time for The X Factor and new talent.

"It means the judging panel will be really shaken up this year but after last year's ratings that might not be a bad thing."

The news may not come as a huge shock as the 'Hot Right Now' singer seemed to hint her time on the show had come to an end in the the last series.

After winning the show with Louisa Johnson she said "As a new judge it's a good way to leave the show."

Along with Simon Cowell, Rita was the only judge remaining from last year's panel. Nick Grimshaw quit the show at the start of the year and Cheryl decided to leave the show to focus on her music career.

Despite losing last year's judges it seems music mogul, Simon Cowell, has already got a new superstar line-up in place.

It has been reported the 56-year-old has signed up former judges and close friends, Sharon Osborne and Louis Walsh, and it was recently rumoured that Nicole Scherzinger could make a return to the panel.

Louis Walsh, Sharon Osbourne and Simon Cowell | © PA Images

After proving a hit with viewers back in 2012-2013, Simon is reportedly keen to bring the 37-year-old back to the show.

Speaking about her return, a source for the show said "ITV bosses, Simon, Sharon and Louis all agree Nicole would be the perfect person to join the line-up. "Nicole and Sharon are good friends and Louis and Simon are big fans".

The change-up will also see popular host Dermot O'Leary return to present the show after the departure of both Olly Murs and Caroline Flack.

Dermot O'Leary | © PA Images

With auditions due to start we expect to hear a full confirmed judging panel very soon.