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Saturday June 7, 2008

Sharon Osbourne quit ITV’s The X Factor because the show’s bosses refused her demand for a £1m ($2m) pay rise, according to reports.

The fiery redhead, 55, wanted £2.5m ($5m) to appear on the fifth series of the TV talent show alongside Dannii Minogue, Louis Walsh and Simon Cowell.

A source reveals, “Sharon has wanted more money every series since The X Factor started.

“This time, she was demanding £2.5million. It was too much and we called her bluff.

“Talks which started three months ago broke down on Thursday night and Sharon decided she was walking away.

“She’ll be missed by most of the crew, but Dannii will be delighted.”

Simon Cowell is now thought to be making emergency calls to all his music contacts to get a new judge as soon as possible.

Sharon’s spokesman told the Daily Mirror, “After four fantastic series of The X Factor, Sharon has decided to leave the show.

“She’d like to thank the wonderful British public for their enormous support during an exciting ride.

“She’d also like to thank Simon and ITV and wish them all the best for the next series.”

Cowell said, “Sharon has played an important part in the huge success of The X Factor. I wish her all the luck in the world.”

Dannii — who Sharon regularly came to blows with on the show — said, “I’m shocked. The X Factor and I know her fans will miss her.”

Louis Walsh said, “It won’t be the same without her. She was my best friend on the series.”

Sharon — wife of Ozzy Osbourne — is now thought to be close to signing a deal with MTV for a new show. She will still work on Cowell America’s Got Talent Series.

ITV said in a statement, “We thank Sharon for her immense contribution.

“But we respect her wish to leave and wish her the very best.”