Simon Cowell has all but confirmed Nicole Scherzinger's exit from the UK X Factor.

The US star's position on the show's judging panel has been the subject of intense speculation recently.

Cowell, who recently confirmed that he will return to his native show after quitting the US edition, thanked Scherzinger on Twitter early this morning (February 14) for her contribution to the programme.

He added that she will always be part of the "family". Cowell said:

"Nicole will always be a part of the X factor family. Now signed to Sony as an artist. Thank you Nicole for everything."

The music mogul meanwhile recently confirmed that he is in talks with former judge Cheryl Cole about a possible return to the show.