Khloe Kardashian won't return as co-host of 'The X-Factor' next season - New York Daily News

Mixed Returns: Mario Lopez (r.) will return as co-host for next season's 'The X-Factor'... but Khloe Kardashian will not.

It's not your imagination: There will be one fewer Kardashian on TV this fall.

Fox announced Monday that Mario Lopez will return to host the third cycle of Simon Cowell’s “X Factor,” but without Khloe Kardashian as his cohost.

“Khloe Kardashian will not be returning to co-host ‘The X Factor’,” said a spokesperson for the show. “We really enjoyed working with her and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”

The departure doesn’t come as a surprise. Kardashian herself recently sent a tweet that strongly hinted she was gone.

A rookie at hosting shows, Kardashian had been given only the most lukewarm vote of confidence by show officials after her first season ended.

There were no indications Monday whether Fox will hire a new cohost for Lopez.

Alberto E. Rodriguez

Kardashian, not a huge hit with critics, had been given only the most lukewarm vote of confidence from producers.

After an unsatisfactory experience with Steve Jones as the season-one host, Cowell said he felt a two-host system fits a competiton show better.

The main exception to that rule, he said, is Ryan Seacrest, with whom Cowell worked at “American Idol.”

Cowell had said he would “love” to have Seacrest at “X Factor,” but Seacrest has since signed a multiyear deal to remain at ”Idol.”

“X Factor” also has two judging vacancies to fill for the fall season, with only Cowell and Demi Lovato returning from last year’s panel. Britney Spears and L.A. Reid have left.

The show is now auditioning potential contestants for the third season. The next round is Thursday at Nassau Coliseum.

Lopez also hosts the syndicated TV show “Extra” and a Clear Channel radio show.

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