Former ITV presenter and comedian Matt Richardson has shared the brutal story of how he discovered he had been fired from The X Factor's companion show, The Xtra Factor, over a decade ago.
The Newspaper Revelation
Speaking to his followers on TikTok, Richardson revealed that he first learned of his departure from the show through press reports. "I found out in the newspaper that Xtra Factor were letting me go - true story!" he stated. The comedian presented the spin-off programme for one series in 2013 alongside the late Caroline Flack, having taken over from Olly Murs.
A Promise Broken
Richardson explained that after the series concluded in December 2013, he received positive signals from executives about returning. "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 also reportedly indicated the partnership would continue. However, by March or April 2014, tabloid stories began circulating claiming both he and Flack were being axed.
When Richardson and his agent sought clarification from the production company, Fremantle, and ITV, they were initially told the reports were false. "They're going, 'Rubbish, don't listen to them, how dare they write that stuff,'" he said. This back-and-forth continued until a final, blunt phone call confirmed the news: "Actually, we're going to get rid of you. Bye."
The Aftermath and Replacement
Subsequently, it was officially confirmed that Richardson and Flack would not return for the show's 11th series. They were replaced by a single host, Sarah-Jane Crawford. A source told The Mirror at the time that Simon Cowell was "bowled over" by Crawford and believed she would be brilliant.
Caroline Flack addressed her exit on Instagram in 2014, writing: "After three brilliant years of hosting Xtra Factor its time to pass the baton. It's been incredible and I'll never forget it." She humorously added a reference to judge Louis Walsh, stating: "How can I when I am married to Louis Walsh? It's all he ever talks about at home."
Reflecting on his single series, Richardson admitted his relative inexperience, saying: "It had gone ok-ish. I was quite inexperienced; they didn't quite know what to do with me." His candid account offers a rare glimpse into the often abrupt and impersonal nature of television industry changes.
