Sharon Osbourne has quit as a judge on the X Factor.

In a statement released on her behalf, she thanked fellow judge Simon Cowell and the British public for their support.

The statement said: "Sharon Osbourne announced today that after four fantastic and successful series of the X Factor she has decided to leave the show.

"Sharon would like to thank the wonderful British public for their enormous support during what's been an exciting ride.

"She would also like to take this opportunity to thank Simon Cowell and ITV while wishing them all the best for the next series."

ITV said in response: "ITV thanks her for her immense contribution to the show and for all her humour, compassion and energy."

The statement added: "She has been a tremendous judge and mentor on the programme but we respect her wish to leave and wish her the very best with her future projects."

The judging panel for the show had included Cowell, Osbourne, Dannii Minogue and Louis Walsh. Despite Walsh being previously axed from the show, he was later asked back onto it and said he was "thrilled".

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