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Scherzinger, Jones not returning to 'X Factor'

FILE - In this Sept. 14, 2011 file photo, host Steve Jones poses with judge Nicole Scherzinger at a world premiere screening event for the new television series, "The X Factor," in Los Angeles. Both Jones and Scherzinger will not be returning to the popular singing competition series for a second season. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, file)

FILE - In this Dec. 22, 2011 file photo, television host Steve Jones poses on the red carpet at "The X Factor" Finale show in Los Angeles. Jones said on Twitter on Monday, Jan. 30, 2012, that he wouldn’t be returning to host the show’s second season. (AP Photo/Dan Steinberg, file)

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By DERRIK J. LANG, The Associated Press Updated 10:21 PM Monday, January 30, 2012

LOS ANGELES — Nicole Scherzinger and Steve Jones are out at "The X Factor."

A Fox spokeswoman said Monday that the judge and host will not return for the show's second season. No other details were provided.

Jones, a British TV personality, called his departure "a shame" on Twitter and added that he couldn't complain, "as I've had a great time." He gave no reason why he wasn't returning to the singing contest.

Jones was originally slated to host "X Factor" alongside Scherzinger, who replaced British pop star Cheryl Cole as a judge when executive producer Simon Cowell and other producers had second thoughts about Cole joining the series.

Cowell, Paula Abdul and L.A. Reid served as the other judges on the show's first season.

Despite consistent viewership, "X Factor" has failed to achieve popularity similar to "American Idol," which Cowell left to import "X Factor" from the U.K. to the U.S.

A spokeswoman for Scherzinger did not immediately return a message seeking comment.

The second season of "X Factor" is set to debut later this year.

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AP Entertainment Writer Derrik J. Lang can be reached at http://www.twitter.com/derrikjlang .

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Online:

http://www.thexfactorusa.com

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January 31, 2012 03:14 AM EST

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