Axed Factor: Cowell gives Nicole, Paula and host Steve the chop in US

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It follows Cowell's admission that he had become "a bit too cocky" after a successful year for his shows in 2010, and that last year his "ego was put in check" by falling ratings.

There had been rumours that Jones would not be asked back on the talent show after criticism of his performance, but the exit of former Pussycat Dolls singer Scherzinger and Cowell's close friend Abdul has come as a shock. Scherzinger was brought in to replace Cheryl Cole, following the Geordie singer's acrimonious departure after only three weeks of filming in May last year.

The debut series was beaten in the ratings war by rival American Idol - which Cowell had left to concentrate on developing US X Factor. The music mogul held a strategy meeting with his creative team this week in Britain, where he is filming auditions for Britain's Got Talent. He decided the contracts of Welshman Jones - former presenter of Channel 4's weekend entertainment show T4 - Scherzinger and pop star Abdul would not be renewed next year.

Last week he suggested Jones's time on the show was over, saying: "He got a lot of stick. I don't think he did a bad job but, like America's Got Talent, there is a Brit limit on the show."

Jones said on Twitter: "I can't complain as I've had a great time. Good luck to everyone on the show." A spokeswoman for Fox, which broadcasts the programme in America, confirmed that neither Jones, 34, nor Scherzinger, 33, will return for the second series.

However, she would not comment on the exit of Abdul, 49. It is believed the show's other judge, L A Reid, will return for the next series alongside Cowell.

Cowell's rival Nigel Lythgoe, an executive producer on American Idol, tweeted: "Shocked to see Simon has fired Paula Abdul, Nicole and Steve from the X Factor."