Kelly Rowland rules out return to The X Factor

Kelly Rowland rules out return to The X Factor
Kelly Rowland rules out return to The X Factor (Image credit: PA Wire/Press Association Images)

Kelly Rowland has confirmed she won't return for a further series of The X Factor. The singer has been unable to reach a deal which balanced her musical commitments with the 'increasing demands' of the show. Insiders from the Simon Cowell show have already indicated talks have begun with former judge Dannii Minogue about a return. There had been doubts about Kelly's continued presence in the ITV1 series. A statement issued on behalf of the former Destiny's Child star said she had 'decided not to return' as a judge. "Global commitments coupled with the show's increasing demands this year mean that, despite weeks of deliberation with the show, Kelly has not been able to agree a deal that fits into her autumn/winter schedule, so sadly cannot accept a place on the 2012 panel," the statement continued. The singer said: "I loved the UK and being part of the show last year. Mentoring the girls was such an incredible experience I will never forget. I would like to thank Simon for the great opportunity and asking me to be a judge last season." Kelly joined the series last year with newcomers Gary Barlow and Tulisa Contostavlos. A spokesperson for The X Factor said: "Kelly's immense experience in the music industry shone through in both her judging and mentoring on The X Factor and we would like to thank her for being a part of the country's number one show and wish her well for the future." On her replacement, the spokesperson said: "The judging panel will be announced in due course."

Patrick McLennan

Patrick McLennan is a London-based journalist and documentary maker who has worked as a writer, sub-editor, digital editor and TV producer in the UK and New Zealand. His CV includes spells as a news producer at the BBC and TVNZ, as well as web editor for Time Inc UK. He has produced TV news and entertainment features on personalities as diverse as Nick Cave, Tom Hardy, Clive James, Jodie Marsh and Kevin Bacon and he co-produced and directed The Ponds, which has screened in UK cinemas, BBC Four and is currently available on Netflix. 


An entertainment writer with a diverse taste in TV and film, he lists Seinfeld, The Sopranos, The Chase, The Thick of It and Detectorists among his favourite shows, but steers well clear of most sci-fi.