Former ITV host and comedian Matt Richardson has shared the shocking and impersonal manner in which he learned he had been let go from The X Factor's companion show, The Xtra Factor.
The Sudden Exit from The Xtra Factor
Richardson, a stand-up comic, co-presented the ITV spin-off programme in 2013 alongside the late Caroline Flack, having taken over from Olly Murs. Despite the pair completing one series, both confirmed in 2014 that they would not be returning, with Sarah-Jane Crawford stepping in to host the show solo for its 11th series.
Now, over a decade later, Richardson has opened up on TikTok about the experience. "I found out in the newspaper that Xtra Factor were letting me go - true story!" he revealed to his followers. Reflecting on his single series, he admitted, "It had gone ok-ish. I was quite inexperienced; they didn't quite know what to do with me."
False Promises and Tabloid Leaks
Richardson explained that after the series concluded in December 2013, he received positive signals from executives about the future. "I'd seen the exec and he was like, 'It's all good, it's going to happen again, really excited to go again,'" he recalled. "The channel were like, 'Yeah we think it went well, we'll go again.'"
The situation changed dramatically in the spring of 2014. "All of a sudden, some news stories start to appear in the papers and they're like, 'Matt and Caroline are being fired from the Xtra Factor,'" Richardson said. When he sought clarification from the show, he was initially told the reports were false. His agent then contacted the production company, Fremantle, and the channel, who dismissed the stories as "rubbish."
This back-and-forth continued until a definitive call was made. "More stories and then we rang up one day and they were like, 'Actually, we're going to get rid of you. Bye,'" Richardson stated, highlighting the abrupt and unprofessional conclusion.
Aftermath and Industry Reaction
Following the confirmation of their departure in 2014, a source told The Mirror that Simon Cowell was "bowled over by Sarah Jane" and believed she would be brilliant for the role. At the time, Caroline Flack posted a gracious message on Instagram, writing: "After three brilliant years of hosting Xtra Factor its time to pass the baton... I wish the new team all the best."
Richardson's account sheds a stark light on the often opaque and harsh realities of television presenting contracts, where public speculation can precede official communication. His story underscores a significant moment in the history of the popular talent show's behind-the-scenes operations.
