X Factor U..S

Nicole Scherzinger & Steve Jones Get X Factor USA Axe

While Paula Abdul may also lose her place on the judging panel...

Nicole Scherzinger        Download Here    and host Steve Joneswill not be returning to The X Factor USA for the second season, while Paula Abdul could also face the boot.

On Monday evening (30th January) Welsh presenter Jones confirmed his departure, writing on his official Twitter page: "I wont be hosting next seasons X Factor which is a shame but I cant complain as I've had a great time. Good luck to everyone on the show (sic)."

It is currently unknown why Scherzinger is leaving the programme, with a source suggesting to E! Online: "She wants to focus on her music career. She's spoken to Simon [Cowell] and he's given her his blessing,

"X Factor took a lot more of her time than she ever expected. She didn't have any time really to work on her music. She was doing X Factor six days a week."

Both Jones and the ex-Pussycat Dolls singer's exits have since been confirmed by Fox, but the network is still yet to comment on Paula's future on the talent show.

Deadline claims Abdul could also be leaving the US XF panel - as a result of an intention to "clean house" on the new series. Both Scherzinger and Abdul's reps are yet to comment on the reports.

The news comes after Fox entertainment chief Kevin Reilly claimed he was happy with how the first season of The X Factor USA had gone, but revealed there would be some "changes" made to the second series.

Simon Cowell is already confirmed to return as judge this year, with the music mogul previously hinting that he may also make a comeback to the UK X Factor.MTV