X Factor plans plunged into confusion

There is doubt over whether Simon Cowell will appear on the UK X Factor judging panel this year, and confusion over who will host the US and UK shows.

Newspaper speculation this weekend suggested both Cowell and Cole had quit the British show in order to focus on the US version.

Cowell has said there will be "surprises" in the line-up of both shows, but has so far failed to confirm who the judging panel or the hosts will be.

O'Leary desperately wants to host both the British and American X Factor shows, and knows he is on the short list, but he does not fancy his chances, and has not been given a timeline for the decision.

The frustrated presenter said of Simon Cowell: "He keeps saying it's all going to be revealed in a couple of weeks, and then it just isn't.

"I'm sort of reconciled to the fact that I probably won't get it, but it would be good if I do."