Sharon Osbourne has now confirmed that she won't be returning to The X Factor for the live shows, after it was previously announced she was set to return. The former judge took to Facebook to release a statement in which she explained her reasons for not returning to the show.
Sharon's statement said, 'I’ve seen the new judges finding their rhythm and are doing brilliantly. Simon was so gracious to find me a spot on the live shows but 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.'
She went on to say, 'I wish the show continued success and as much as I love to get my face on TV you will have to do without me this season.'
It was understood that Sharon was due to return to the popular TV show in the latter stages of the series, after she has been dropped as a main judge on the show, along with Louis Walsh, who was the longest serving judge. In the summer, new judges, former Take That singer, Robbie Williams, his wife Ayda Williams, One Direction star Louis Tomlinson and returning judge Simon Cowell were announced to the public.
At the time, Simon said, "This new panel is all about optimism, everyone has a real passion for finding a new star. The three new judges bring a whole new energy and I’m excited."
Now take a look at The X Factor's winners' singles:
The X Factor winners' singles
1 of 152004: Steve Brookstein - 'Against All Odds' (Over 25s)
Steve Brookstein's winning single debuted at Number 2 in the UK charts behind Band Aid 20's 'Do They Know It's Christmas', the following week it went to Number 1.
2 of 152005: Shayne Ward - 'That's My Goal' (16–24s)
Shayne Ward was the second winner of the competition and released an original song - whereas most winners released the covers. 'That's My Goal' became the fastest-selling song of 2005!
3 of 152006: Leona Lewis - 'A Moment Like This' (16–24s)
According to reports, 1 million copies of the single were pre-ordered by stores and it was downloaded 50,000 times within 30 minutes of being available online! It reached Number 1 in both the UK singles and download charts.
4 of 152007: Leon Jackson - 'When You Believe' (Boys)
The single was another successful winners' single getting to Number 1 in the UK and becoming a Christmas Number 1.
5 of 152008: Alexandra Burke - 'Hallelujah' (Girls)
Alexandra's 'Hallelujah' became a Christmas Number 1 for the fifth X Factor winner.
6 of 152009: Joe McElderry - 'The Climb' (Boys)
After winning the competition, Joe McElderry's version of 'The Climb' went to Number 1 in the UK. The song was a cover of the Miley Cyrus song which was also released in the same year and featured in Hannah Montana: The Movie.
7 of 152010: Matt Cardle - 'When We Collide' (Boys)
Matt Cardle won the seventh series of The X Factor and released his cover of 'When We Collide' (original title - 'Many of Horror'). The song reached Number 1 in the UK and became the second bestselling single of 2010.
8 of 152011: Little Mix - 'Cannonball' (Groups)
They might be releasing Number 1 songs here, there and everywhere, but back in 2011 Little Mix won The X Factor and released 'Cannonball'. Unlike past winner's singles, the song wasn't released during the week of the popular Christmas Number 1 battle. The song debuted at Number 1 becoming the fastest-selling single of the year.
9 of 152012: James Arthur - 'Impossible' (Boys)
James Arthur's cover of 'Impossible' was released immediately after he won the ninth series of The X Factor. The single became the fastest-selling winning single from The X Factor!
10 of 152013: Sam Bailey - 'Skyscraper' (Over 25s)
'Skyscraper', originally sung by Demi Lovato was released by 2013's X Factor winner, Sam Bailey. The song became a Christmas Number 1 with all proceeds from the single going to Great Ormond Street Hospital and Together for Short Lives.
11 of 152014: Ben Haenow - 'Something I Need' (Over 25s)
Once again The X Factor winner hit the top spot for Christmas in 2014.
12 of 152015: Louisa Johnson - 'Forever Young' (Girls)
Louisa Johnson released her version of 'Forever Young' however, unlike many of the previous winners' singles it didn't make the top spot, only reaching Number 9 in the UK.
13 of 152016: Matt Terry - 'When Christmas Comes Around' (Boys)
Written by none-other than Ed Sheeran and Amy Wadge, 'When Christmas Comes Around' was The X Factor's second ever original song to be released as the winner's single. It debuted at Number 3 in the UK.
14 of 152017: Rak-Su - 'Dimelo' (Groups)
'Dimelo' was yet another original single to be released as an X Factor winners' single. It reached Number 2 in the UK, being kept off the top spot by Ed Sheeran's 'Perfect'.
15 of 152018: Dalton Harris featuring James Arthur - 'The Power of Love'
This comes just weeks after the former X Factor judge revealed what she thought of the current series in a tirade unleashed during a radio interview in America. Sharon didn't hold back when she was asked about the new series, calling Simon a, "F---ing pain in the a---"saying he "will do whatever" to get his "f---ing fat face on TV".
During the interview, Sharon was also asked who she would save on a sinking boat and she responded saying she'd 'put a brick around his neck and throw him over'! The former judge also revealed that she has a clause written into her contract, which states she must be paid as much as the highest-paid judges.
NOW WATCH: All the winners of The X Factor so far:
In other X Factor news, over the weekend we saw one hopeful causing a stir when he fell off the stage during the Six Chair Challenge. Contestant Tommy Ludford was performing an original song 'Dipping Biscuits', when he took a step back too far and fell backwards off the stage. Thankfully Dermot O'Leary was on hand to run to his side, but luckily Tommy seemed unharmed after his fall.
The X Factor returns at 8pm on Saturday.
Now, take a look at everything you need to know about The X Factor 2018.
If your favourite music icons are the Spice Girls and your favourite Ks are Kylie and the Kardashians, you need heat Radio in your life! heat Radio is portable, so you can listen to us on the move. Simply download our app from your phone’s app store or listen on DAB Digital Radio UK, on Freeview Channel 716 or online at heatradio.com and at heatworld.com. We’re on all the smart speakers too, just say “play heat Radio".