Simon Cowell 'AXES presenter Caroline Flack' as judge Nick Grimshaw confirms he has QUIT X Factor after just one year following disappointing ratings

Last year's final episode only pulled in an average of 5.95million viewers
Caroline was forced to defend herself after technical glitches
Louis Tomlinson said to be favourite to replace Nick

PUBLISHED: 23:48, 18 February 2016 | UPDATED: 08:22, 19 February 2016

Simon Cowell has reportedly axed X Factor co-presenter Caroline Flack, 36, according to The Sun.

The reports come as last year's new judge, Nick Grimshaw, 31, confirmed he had quit the show, despite claims that he too had been axed.

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.

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Shake-up: Simon Cowell has reportedly AXED presenter Caroline Flack (second from right) in a bid to shake-up the X Factor as judge Nick Grimshaw (second from left) confirms he has QUIT

'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.

A goner: While Caroline, 36, has reportedly been axed from the show, Nick, 31, is also said to have been axed, according to the publication, the DJ told MailOnline it was his choice to leave the show

'Details for the new series of The X Factor are still being discussed and will be announced in due course.'

A show's source confirmed the news to The Sun, adding that One Direction singer Louis Tomlinson is already in the running to take his place.

They said: 'Louis Tomlinson is very likely to replace Grimmy. He agreed in principle to the job while assisting Simon Cowell during the judges’ houses round last year.

Ruling the roost: The Sun report that Simon Cowell has made some changes in the show following disappointing ratings

Meanwhile, Love Island presenter Caroline remained silent on the matter on Twitter, simply posting on Valentine's Day:

'Are you single on Valentine's Day??? Why not apply for Love Island ... Because we are back baby.'

The news comes after the X Factor failed to garner dramatic figures and its final episode only managed to pull a disappointing 5.95million average and 6.69million peak viewers.

While the figure does not take into account consolidated figures, which includes viewers who watch the show on catch-up, online or on mobile phones, last year, last year's final drew in 8.93million viewers.

'Rule himself out': 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'

The 11th series of the talent show has been dogged with criticism following a shake-up to draw younger audiences and inject new blood after nearly a decade on air.

Following December's live final, in one of many technical glitches, Caroline was forced to hit out on Twitter to defend herself and co-host Olly's presenting skills, after the show was marred by issues.

She insisted that she and her 31-year-old co-host were not to blame for the evening's faults after the pair were criticised on social networking, tweeting in defence: 'Not our fault. Technical issue. Get your facts right'.

The new kids on the block: Following December's live final, in one of many technical glitches, Caroline was forced to hit out on Twitter to defend herself and co-host Olly's presenting skills, after the show was marred by issues

So long: While Caroline's departure has been reported, Olly's fate is unknown

After the wrong music was played over the incorrect scene and a faulty sound issue meant Caroline could be heard asking for assistance, Simon was then seen raising his hands in despair to somebody off camera while Olly and Caroline acted to cover up the mistake.

On the show, the blonde beauty looked horrified after the glitch, while music mogul and X Factor boss Simon Cowell reacted in a spectacular fashion.

And while technical errors were not the fault of the hosts, many called for beloved former presenter Dermot O'Leary to be reinstated.

The problems came after Olly was met with outrage earlier in the competition when he prematurely announced the departure of hopeful Monica Michaels.

Could it be? One Direction star Louis Tomlinson is the firm favourite to take over from Grimshaw

The X Factor: A changing panel

The hit ITV show has seen a constantly changing panel since its inauguration in 2004

Simon Cowell: As the show's founder, the music mogul was a perma-fixture on the panel from 2004 to 2010 before taking a break to explore his American ventures before returning to the show in 2014.

Louis Walsh: The Irish music manager was a loyal addition to the panel for 11 years, from 2004 to 2014, before he opted to leave before the show was given its youthful facelift.

Sharon Osbourne: The acid-tongued queen of rock was a fiery addition to the panel from the very beginning up until 2007 before a brief return in 2013.

Dannii Minogue: The younger sister of pop icon Kylie sat in the hot seat from 2007 to 2010 yet she left after her stint amid rumours she became embroiled in a heated behind the scenes feud with co-judge Sharon.

Cheryl Fernandez-Versini: The former Girls Aloud star has had the most publicised stint on The X Factor after a wildly successful period on the judging panel from 2008 to 2010, an ill-fated move to the US version of the show kicked off a feud between formerly good pal Simon. The pair reunited and Cheryl returned to the panel in 2014.

Gary Barlow: The Take That singer took over the role from Simon as the show's Mr Nasty when he picked up a place on the panel, which he occupied from 2011 to 2013, when the big boss returned to the programme.

Tulisa Contostavlos: N-Dubz stunner Tulisa enjoyed a two-series long stay on The X Factor between 2011 to 2012 in which she mentored eventual winners Little Mix to victory - making them the first and only group to ever win the show.

Kelly Rowland: The Destiny's Child legend seized success on the talent show on both sides of the pond as she starred in the thirteenth series of the show in 2011 as well as featuring on the third and final season of The X Factor USA.

Nicole Scherzinger: Another American import, Nicole went from the first season of the US version of the show before starring in two season of the UK show between 2012 and 2013.

Mel B: Adding a touch of Spice to the panel, Mel B joined in 2014 for one season. Initially starring as a stand-in for Nicole Scherzinger during a round of auditions in Manchester in 2012, she went on to secure a permanant place on the panel.

Rita Ora: The Hot Right Now hitmaker was secured at the same time as Nick Grimshaw to help give the show an edgier feel, although ratings suffered and the programme was frequently panned - leaving the new additions under questioning. Rita won 2015 show with her 17-year-old protege Louisa Johnson.

The not so dream team: Simon's 2015 panel has split slightly after the departure of Nick and the reported axing of Caroline

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Friday, 19 February 2016

Simon Cowell 'Axes presenter Caroline Flack' as judge Nick Grimshaw confirms he has QUIT X Factor after just one year following disappointing ratings

Simon Cowell 'AXES presenter Caroline Flack' as judge Nick Grimshaw confirms he has QUIT X Factor after just one year following disappointing ratings

The X Factor: A changing panel