UK news sources, aka The Tabs, are reporting that host, Steve Jones, won’t be returning to the X Factor for Season 2.
With ratings that came in under creator, Simon Cowell’s, expectations (average 9M viewers or so, instead of the 20m he predicted) and critical reviews, I would expect a big shake up of personnel for next year. Simon hints at changes in a recent TV Guide interview. But don’t expect the mercurial judge to confirm anything anytime soon. Simon tends to leave the media hanging until the very last minute.
Deadline points out that judge, Nicole Scherzinger was originally set to co-host with Steve. Maybe Simon will move her into the hosts position next year. She’s been an ineffectual judge and will be surprised if she survives changes to the judging panel Simon will likely make for the new season.
UPDATE: Steve Jones’ rep releases a statement: “The Mirror Story is a fabrication that we would have corrected had we been called for comment. There have been absolutely no conversations about Steve Jones Leaving The X Factor,” his rep tells us. “Steve is very happy with the outcome of this season and he looks forward to being back and discovering more talent in the new year.”
Well. Not YET anyway.
