Sharon Osborne leaves X-Factor after scorching Howard Stern interview

To the surprise of few, Sharon Osbourne has left The X Factor. She confirmed the news on her Facebook page, writing that "at this point I really don’t think I’m needed and I would honestly feel odd coming in at this point. So I have decided to pass on the series this year."

An X-Factor spokesperson has released a statement confirming her departure; “The X Factor can confirm Sharon Osbourne has decided not to return to this year’s show. Sharon will always be a big part of The X Factor family and we wish her all the best for the future.”

The Osbournes star appeared on The X-Factor when it began in 2004, along with Louis Walsh; she left in 2008 and was replaced by Cheryl.  

She returned five years in 2013 to replace Tulisa, signed a three-year deal in 2016 and was set to join the live stages of the singing competition alongside Cowell and new judges Ayda Field (wife of Robbie Williams and fellow X Factor judge) and Louis Tomlinson.

In a recent interview with Stern, Osbourne called Simon Cowell "a 'f_____g pain in the a__" and compared the competition to karaoke.  She also threatened to drown Cowell and took snippy aim at Ayda, stating "I don't know [what she knows]. She was in a soap opera here years ago."

Osbourne also claimed to have a clause in her contract where her salary must equal the highest-paid judges, Robbie Williams and Ayda Fields, which would be equal to ￡10 million.

Insider sources told The Sun that "Sharon is going to try and spin this as her choice to leave, but after that disgusting interview there was no way Simon Cowell or the executives would have her back on the panel."

"Not only did she make shocking attacks on him, she slagged off the show itself and the lovely members of the public who decide to audition. Good riddance to her."