Former 'Xtra Factor' star Matt Richardson has defended pal Caroline Flack, launching a scathing attack on the ITV talent show.
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The comedian, who hosted the spin-off show with Caroline in 2013, has claimed that his former co-host has "taken a bullet" for The X Factor's tumbling ratings, following claims she was fired from the main show.
Caroline announced she was leaving her post last month, just days after reports Simon Cowell had axed her and co-host Olly Murs after just one series.
Matt has now spoken out about her departure, telling Radio Times: “I think it’s a real shame that Caroline’s taken a bullet when she was the only redeeming feature.
He continued: “I think it’s a shame that she’s been made to look like she wasn’t good enough because she was brilliant.”
However, Matt's criticism of the show didn't end there, as he admitted he had "no desire" to return.
“It’s a sinking ship. Whatever happens on that show you’re going to get absolutely mauled for it," he said.
Caroline and Olly replaced former host Dermot O'Leary on last year's show, and he has since been widely tipped to return to his former role.
Meanwhile, it looks as if the presenter shake-up is extending to 'Xtra Factor', as last week Martin Kemp's radio DJ son Roman revealed he was in talks to replace Rochelle Humes and Melvin Odoom.
He told The Sun: “We had a lot of talks in the past year about ‘Xtra Factor’ so we’ll see. It’s nice to know these big shows I look up to are watching and thinking about putting me in that show.
However, an insider told Metro that it was "far too early to be able to confirm anything about this year’s series".
"Discussions on 'Xtra Factor' won’t take place until further details have been confirmed about main show,” they said.