X Factor judge axed from show with two others ‘unlikely to return’

Simon Cowell just proved he's an utter savage.

The X Factor is going to undergo a massive shake-up this year in the face of plummeting ratings. The Sun reports that Nicole Scherzinger has already been handed a plate of chops, with Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh also unlikely to return. The show is entering its 15th year and despite Louis and Sharon (now both aged 65) being contracted to return, it is believed that these will be terminated, with younger talent brought in to replace them. Craig David and Louis Tomlinson are being lined-up to fill the male vacancy on the panel. And Cheryl, Alesha Dixon, Kylie Minogue and Mariah Carey are in contention to replace Nicole. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2g6R0a4IpY An X Factor insider told the Sun: “Louis and Sharon are both contracted to return this year, but Simon and the producers have lost faith. They were both terrible on the panel last year. Louis has had a great run, but he’s advertising hearing aids for God’s sake. It’s beyond a joke. “And Sharon couldn’t even remember some of her own contestants’ names. “Nicole was a passionate judge but has no contract and won’t be back this year in order to bring in fresh blood." Louis Walsh is good mates with Simon and has been brought back to the show following a sacking on two separate occasions, but it looks like he is now on his way out. The source added: “Louis and Simon remain great friends and it’s not a simple decision to let him go. But serious eyebrows were raised when Louis went public with his hearing loss in a Specsavers campaign about hearing aids. “It obviously raises the question about whether he’s a suitable judge for a show that aims to find young pop stars.”