The X Factor: Olly Murs quits as co-presenter amid rumours of Caroline Flack being sacked

The X Factor has lost another member of its cas,t with Olly Murs announcing that he is leaving the ITV series. The Kiss Me singer co-presented the 12th season of the singing competition alongside Caroline Flack, but he has announced he is not returning for another outing in order to focus on his music career.

In an interview with The Sun, Murs, 31, admitted that while he enjoyed presenting the series, his music suffered while also trying to juggle hosting the live shows. Confirming his departure, the singer said: "This was an incredibly hard decision to make, and one I didn't take lightly as I've really enjoyed co-hosting The X Factor. It's been one big adventure and I loved every minute of it.

"But my heart belongs to music, and I want to concentrate 100 per cent on making my next album and getting back to performing. Last November I was doing the show [and] promoting a new single, and I felt increasingly like the music side of things had to be shoehorned into the TV schedule. Now that I've started working on my next album, I couldn't see myself having the time to do both."

It is yet to be confirmed whether Flack, 36, will continue to host the show without her sidekick, but rumours suggest that she has already been fired, which has now led to the departure of Murs. An insider previously told the newspaper: "Caroline's a really experienced broadcaster but the combination of two presenters just didn't work out this year. It's unfortunate for her, but the decision gives her the opportunity to take on a major West End role, which is something she's wanted for a long time."

The news of Murs' exit comes just days after BBC Radio 1 DJ Nick Grimshaw confirmed he was stepping down as a judge after just one series. The breakfast-show radio host said he has no bad feelings towards the competition but that he was ready to move on, saying in a statement: "I did love it and it's not a diss to the show. It's a great show and I loved it. But it's definitely a once-in-a-lifetime-style thing."

An X Factor spokesperson added: "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. Details for the new series of The X Factor are still being discussed and will be announced in due course."

With details yet to be confirmed for the forthcoming series, it is not known if show boss Simon Cowell, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini or Rita Ora will return to the judging panel.