Sharon Osbourne quits X Factor in £1m pay rowExclusive by Mark Jefferies
Sharon Osbourne quit The X Factor after TV bosses became fed up with her constant demands for more money.
The 55-year-old star wanted a whopping £1million rise to appear in the fifth series alongside Dannii Minogue, taking her pay to £2.5million.
She also asked for an increase when ITV suggested the series might include an extra Sunday night live show.
Tv chiefs had had enough. A show source revealed: "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."
Referring to Sharon's frequent backstage rows with Dannii, 36, our insider added: "She'll be missed by most of the crew, but Dannii will be delighted."
Sharon walked out less than a week before she was due back on the road with the hit series.
Show boss 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 said: "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 added: "I'm shocked. The X Factor and I know her fans will miss her." Fellow judge Louis Walsh said: "It won't be the same without her. She was my best friend on the series."
Sharon 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.
The Mirror told in December how the fiery wife of rocker Ozzy Osbourne was on the verge of quitting.
She was jealous of Dannii's close relationship with show boss Cowell and frequently rowed with her.
Asked by Graham Norton on his BBC2 show what she really thought of Dannii, she turned round and patted her backside.
She then declared: "She's younger and better looking. Simon wants her and he doesn't want me..."
Sharon will also have been upset to read in the Mirror's 3am column how Dannii had successfully negotiated a 100 per cent rise on her contract to put her on £1million.
She leaves the show having never won the series with an act.
Itv said: "We thank Sharon for her immense contribution.
But we respect her wish to leave and wish her the very best."
THE BEST..
Chucking water over Louis Walsh live in 2005 after he suggested she had taken some of Ozzy's drugs.
Pretending to milk Simon Cowell's manboobs during spin-off show The Xtra Factor in 2006.
Laughing so much she walked into a door during an audition by an overweight girl in the last series.
Masterminding Chico's hit It's Chico Time.
..AND WORST
Telling Rebecca Loos: "You should try performing with your knickers on. It will help warm up your voice."
Quitting when her acts were in the bottom two during the last series but returning the following week.
Telling Rhydian Roberts she didn't want him to get through boot camp. He finished runner-up.
Jealous ranting to Graham Norton about fellow judge Dannii Minogue.
WHO GETSLadbrokes made Paula Abdul their 2-1 favourite with Sharon's daughter Kelly 4-1 to take over from her mum and Kylie Minogue 3-1.
Ladbrokes spokesman Nick Weinberg said: "Paula Abdul has helped out Simon Cowell in the past. It would be no surprise to see her fill the void."
HER JOB?William Hill also has Paula Abdul as their favourite (9-4), with Amanda Holden 3-1, Sinitta 8-1, Cat Deeley 10-1, Nicky Chapman 12-1, Victoria Beckham 12-1 and Cheryl Cole 16-1.
Amy Winehouse is an unlikely 100-1 outsider.
Mirror
