Simon Cowell only X Factor judge left as Rita Ora Quits

Rita Ora only lasted one season on the show

Simon Cowell is now the only remaining judge from last year’s The X Factor line-up after Rita Ora quit the show after just one season.

The singer mentored the “girls” category in 2015 and went on to win the show with her act, Louisa Johnson.

The 25-year-old joined the series after moving to ITV from The Voice UK on the BBC.

Ora tweeted: “I had a ball on @TheXFactor last year and will miss the team.”

She also addressed a message to Cowell, writing: “Can’t wait to work with you again … I’ll be round for dinner soon. Thank you for the experience & love X.”

Ora has recently been filming scenes for Fifty Shades Darker, based on EL James’ book, in Canada.

With both Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and Nick Grimshaw having also left the talent show, the only judge now remaining is Cowell.

Fernandez-Versini quit in April to focus on her music career, saying in a statement: “I have learnt so much and enjoyed nurturing talent but I’ve missed making music and am excited to be recording again.”

Radio DJ Grimshaw had already quit as a judge, while the show’s presenters, Caroline Flack and Olly Murs, also confirmed they would not return.

Flack and Murs’ exit made way for the return of X Factor favourite Dermot O’Leary, who confirmed in March that he was coming back to the show.

O’Leary, who had been a mainstay of the show for eight years, left in 2015, saying it was “time for me to move on”.

However, he agreed to return, saying: “I’m very flattered to be asked back to The X Factor, and am currently dusting off my dancing shoes.”

An X Factor spokesman said: “Rita brought a great energy to the show last year and did a brilliant job mentoring the girls’ category, leading Louisa to victory.

“We wish her all the best with her music and film plans for the rest of the year.”

Viewing figures for the last series of the show were disappointing and critics of the show say it needs an overhaul to keep hold of its fans. SkyNews