Simon Cowell on the lookout for new female X Factor judge after deciding to 'almost certainly' axe Kelly Rowland

Just a year ago, Simon Cowell launched an extensive search to find two new female X Factor judges.
But now, after a quiet decision to ‘almost certainly’ axe former  Destiny’s Child singer Kelly Rowland from the panel of the hit talent show, he’s on the lookout again.
Senior sources at ITV tell me they will happily wave goodbye to the 31-year-old American singer because she ‘failed to connect with viewers’ and ‘annoyed production staff with her diva attitude’.

Kelly famously refused to fly back from LA for one of the shows after a row with rival judge Tulisa Contostavlos, blaming a throat condition.

I’ve been told: ‘Kelly has got to go. She was not right for the show. The producers didn’t like her and her commitment level wasn’t there. There’s an understanding she didn’t work on the panel.’
But Cowell insists he will have the final say on the judging line-up and plans to spend a number of weeks weighing up alternatives before announcing his line-up.

However, Tulisa is considered a ‘sure bet’ to return after winning last year with girl group Little Mix. ITV also wants Gary Barlow back, while Cowell admits sacking his close friend Louis Walsh would be difficult. Westlife member Kian Egan has been touted as a potential replacement.

Kelly’s departure does pose an intriguing question: could former judges Cheryl Cole or Dannii Minogue return?
My ITV source explains: ‘Simon would need to sort his issues with Cheryl and he usually believes in moving forward.’
A spokeswoman for The X  Factor said: ‘The panel will be decided by ITV, the producers and Simon together — absolutely no decisions have been made yet.’