Sharon Osbourne could reportedly be paid £2 million for leaving The X Factor this year.
The latest report comes amid rumours of a big shake up to the 2018 judging line up.
It could see Nicole Scherzinger, Louis Walsh and Sharon ALL leaving.
The dramatic move may be made despite Louis and Sharon already signing contracts for 2018.
“Louis and Sharon are both contracted to return this year, but Simon and the producers have lost faith,” an insider alleged to The Sun newspaper previously.
Now the Daily Mirror reports that Sharon could still get her £2 million fee if she walks away.
“It would cost £3.5million to pay them both off – it’s money ITV don’t have,” a source said. “Sharon will get the money owed to her if she does go.”
Louis said earlier this week that his and Sharon’s contracts were “watertight”.
“I’ve checked it out with someone and have told Simon that,” he told The Sun newspaper. “He has asked me to come and see him in LA.
“I have spoken to Sharon. She’s said they can only sack us if they pay us.”
Louis added: “I don’t think they’ve finalised what they’re going to do with the panel.
“We have three-year contracts. We both do.”
It’s understood that Nicole does not currently have a contract and is not expected to return.
Meanwhile, new judges rumoured for 2018 include current Britain’s Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon, Craig David, Kylie Minogue and even Mariah Carey.
For now, the rumours continue…
The X Factor 2018 will air on ITV in the autumn
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