X Factor Executive Producer, Richard Holloway has spoken out about Sharon Osbourne’s departure from the show, saying her pay demands were too unreasonable to be met.

“Sharon didn’t want to do the next series. We wanted her to stay on, without question, but it was totally and utterly her choice,” Holloway told The Guardian.

“Pay was part of the situation. ITV wouldn’t cough up what she was demanding. I think her demands were unreasonable. From a financial point of view, it was absolutely right to say that there was no more money.”

Holloway also hinted that he didn’t think Leon jackson would be as successful as previous winner, Leona Lewis. Tell us something we don’t know!

“It’ll be interesting to see how he does. It’s been quite quiet for him,” he admitted. “He had a huge hit with the first single after the final last year but I don’t think it’s reasonable to expect to find a Leona every year. That’s too big an ask.”