Entertainment TV Steve Jones Out as Host of 'The X Factor' He calls his departure "a shame," but adds, "I've had a great time" By Mike Fleeman Mike Fleeman Mike Fleeman is a former West Coast editor at PEOPLE. He left PEOPLE in 2014. People Editorial Guidelines Published on January 30, 2012 07:50PM EST Photo: Tony DiMaio/Startraks After weeks of speculation, Steve Jones confirmed Monday that he’s leaving as host of The X Factor. On his Twitter page, he calls his departure “a shame,” but adds, “I can’t complain as I’ve had a great time. Good luck to everyone on the show.” He gave no reason why he wasn’t returning for a second season. Last month, a rep for the Welsh TV star called reports of his firing “a fabrication,” though the show’s producer and judge, Simon Cowell, had said there would be changes to the Fox show. Paula Abdul & Nicole Scherzinger Leave The X Factor: Report And Cowell recently refused to deny reports that Jones was getting axed. “I don t think he did a bad job but … there is a Brit limit on the show,” he told the U.K.’s Mirror.