Steve Jones not returning to X Factor USA

Steve Jones will not return to the US version of The X Factor for its next series, it has been confirmed.

The former T4 host fronted the American version of Simon Cowell's singing talent show when it made its debut last year.

But he told fans he would not be back, revealing on Twitter: "I won't be hosting next season's X Factor which is a shame but I can't complain as I've had a great time. Good luck to everyone on the show."

A spokeswoman for Fox, which broadcasts the programme in the US, confirmed that both Steve, 34, and show judge Nicole Scherzinger would not return for the second series.

Steve was originally set to present the show alongside Scherzinger, but the former Pussycat Doll was moved on to the judging panel after Girls Aloud star Cheryl Cole was dramatically dropped from the line-up.

Nicole was joined by Simon, former American Idol judge Paula Abdul and music producer LA Reid on the panel during the show's first season.

Last week, Simon suggested the Welshman's time on the show was over, telling the Daily Mirror: "He got a lot of stick. I don't think he did a bad job but, like America's Got Talent, there is a Brit limit on the show."

Despite healthy ratings, the programme has failed to match the success of American Idol, which Simon left to concentrate on developing the X Factor stateside.

Earlier this month, the music mogul admitted he became "a bit too cocky" after a successful year in 2010, but that in 2011 his "ego was put in check".

In 2010, Steve left Channel 4 entertainment show T4 after seven years.

The former model's other presenting credits have included Let's Dance For Sport Relief on BBC One and Sky 1's Guinness World Records Smashed.