Simon Cowell 'Quits' The X Factor UK

Simon Cowell has stepped down as a judge on the British version of The X Factor.

The music mogul's future on the programme has been in doubt for weeks as he prepares to launch a US edition.

Now attempts to make it possible for Cowell to appear on both programmes have apparently broken down, with the 51-year-old deciding to shift his focus to America.

A source told the Daily Mail: “Cowell has been trying everything to make this work.

“ITV had told him that he didn’t need to do the auditions, just the live shows, but even so it is just not feasible.”

But it is thought Cowell may appear towards the end of the British series, which is due to begin in August – the same time as the US edition.

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