Rita Ora 'QUITS X Factor judging role after just one year' following Cheryl and Nick Grimshaw's departures

 9 May 2016 |

Rita Ora has quit her role as a judge on The X Factor after appearing for just one season, according to reports.

The Sun claims the 25-year-old singer has pulled out of the job on Simon Cowell's ITV programme, meaning he is the only remaining judge from last year's series.

Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and Nick Grimshaw, who made up the four-piece panel, also called time on the show earlier this year.

She's outta there: Rita Ora has reportedly quit her role as a judge on The X Factor after appearing on the ITV show for just one series

She wowed us at the Met Gala on Monday evening in a glamorous Vera Wang gown and it seems Rita Ora has a penchant for the designer as she's stepped out in another piece by the brand.
An array of celebrities went to the VH1 Dear Mama Mother's Day Special bash and Rita was among the throng showing off her style credentials in this fabulous two-piece ensemble.
The look was marched down the fall 2016 runway and we think it looked just as fabulous if not better on the singer!
The skirt and top both had asymmetric finishes and we loved the white belt details on the wrapped skirt which gave a great contrast.
You cannot buy this outfit just yet (check back in a few months) but you can shop Vera Wang's current line at Farfetch (right).

According to the newspaper's Dan Wootton, a source confirmed her departure from The X Factor on Monday, while adding that Simon is upset by her leaving.

An insider said: 'Losing Rita is a huge blow – she's one of the biggest stars in the country and Simon wanted her to return.

'She was very keen to do the show but at the end of the day it didn't work out with her other commitments around the world in music and acting.

'It means we're going to have to go through the biggest shake-up in the history of X Factor, but maybe it will turn out for the best.' 

MailOnline has contacted a representative for Rita Ora and is awaiting comment. 

Following the others: Rita's departure follows Cheryl Fernandez-Versini's and Nick Grimshaw... as well as presenters Caroline Flack and Olly Murs

Hot property: A source told The Sun of Rita (pictured at the Met Gala in New York last week) that 'Simon wanted her to return'

Rita took on the role on 2015's series after moving from BBC1's landmark singing talent show The Voice UK, in a move that is said to have been down to her being lured by Simon with a £1.5 million contract.

But there was speculation recently that she may be looking to jump ship already, and return to The Voice, which is now set to appear on the same channel as The X Factor, ITV.

In February, an ITV-based source told The Daily Star: 'Rita is one of the hottest properties in entertainment so it is no surprise The Voice producers want her back.

'They were devastated when she moved to X Factor last year. But now it looks like she won't be doing the next series, it means they've got a chance of poaching her.'

The old panel: (L-R) Nick, Rita and Cheryl have all walked away from the show, leaving just Simon without any official replacements

Rita - who mentored the Girl's category - won the show as her act, singer Louisa Johnson, was crowned the champion of the series. 

Now that the panel is down to just Simon - with rumours of previous judges Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne returning, but no confirmation - he has just weeks to find replacements before the auditions for the forthcoming series start in July.

In April, Cheryl - who returned to The X Factor panel in 2014 after a couple of years off - confirmed she too was stepping down to focus on her music career.

She said, at the time: 'I have had such an amazing experience being a judge on The X Factor. I have learnt so much and enjoyed nurturing talent but I've missed making music and am excited to be recording again.

Popular: Rita gained praise for her position on the judging panel after joining in 2015, following her moving over from BBC1's The Voice

'I want to thank everybody I have worked with along the way, especially Simon who I love to bits. I hope the show continues to produce stars and I wish them all the best.' 

And Simon - a long-time friend of Cheryl's, despite their fall-out over her sacking from the US version of The X Factor in 2011 - had nothing but kind words for the singer, saying: 'Cheryl and myself spoke about this. I totally understand her commitment to making more records.

'She has been amazing on the show and in the near future we will be working on other things together.'

BBC Radio 1 DJ Nick, 31, confirmed in February that he too was stepping away from the show after just one season: he and best pal Rita were the newcomers in 2015.

She's gone: Cheryl - who returned in 2014 after a few years away from the show - also quit in April this year

Bye: Nick Grimshaw also quit the show earlier this year, after appearing for just one season

A spokesperson for the radio DJ said: 'After careful consideration, Nick has decided to rule himself out as a judge on this year’s X Factor. 

'He loved working on last year’s series alongside Rita, Cheryl and Simon but it was very much a once in a lifetime experience. 

'He remains a massive fan of the show and is looking forward to watching it this year.'

An X Factor spokesperson said in a statement: 'Nick was a great mentor on last year’s series. He did a fantastic job with the boys’ category and we’d like to thank him for all his hard work. We are sad to see him go but wish him all the best.