Sharon faces X Factor axe

X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne is reportedly facing the axe from the next series of the popular TV talent show.

15:34 19 December 2004

X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne is reportedly facing the axe from the next series of the popular TV talent show.

The News of the World says that fellow judge and X Factor creator, Simon Cowell is considering firing Osbourne after her verbal attack on eventual winner Steve Brookstein during last week's final.

Sharon, the wife of colourful rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, denounced the former pub and club singer as a "fake", attracting a reported 300 complaints from viewers.

"For me he's not a superstar. He's been over-confident from day one," Osbourne said of Cowell's protege during last Saturday's show.

An unnamed ITV source told the News of he World that Cowell was unhappy with Osbourne's outburst and wanted her out of his show.

Commenting yesterday, the pop mogul appeared to confirm the rumours.

"I can confirm that we did receive a record number of complaints about Sharon and as a result her future on X Factor is undecided," Cowell is reported as saying.

Reports suggest that ITV bosses have pleaded with Cowell to keep Osbourne and fellow judge Louis Walsh as part of the show.

But the News of the World says the record industry veteran is considering freshening up the show's format by introducing a guest judge each week, when the new series begins next autumn.