Cole, Cowell leave X Factor?

Two judges will not be present for next series, says Walsh...

10:08 18 January 2011

Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole are to quit the X Factor, according to fellow judge Louis Walsh.

Walsh told the News of the World that the pair will be leaving the show to front the US version of the reality talent show.

He said: "It will be me and Dannii with two more people."

An insider added: "Simon's priority is making the US X Factor the biggest TV show in the world.

"Cheryl wants a life. She doesn't want to spend two days a week on flights across the Atlantic."

The newspaper also claims that ITV bosses are doing all they can to stop nation's sweetheart Cole and music mogul Cowell leaving the show.

A spokesperson for Cowell said:

"How his role with the X Factor UK will work is still being discussed."

This news has reportedly lead a host of stars to put their names forward for a role on the show, including Ronan Keating, who was a judge on the Australian X Factor, Gary Barlow, Robbie Williams, James Corden and Elton John.

Others tipped to replace Cheryl include guest judges from the last series, Nicole Scherzinger and Katy Perry.