( CNN ) -- Reality singing competition `` The X Factor '' has lost its flagship star and its place on Fox 's lineup . On Friday , judge Simon Cowell announced he was leaving the American version of `` The X Factor '' to return to the original UK iteration , news that came as Fox confirmed `` The X Factor '' is being canceled after three seasons . `` Unfortunately , there is no ' X Factor USA ' without Simon Cowell , but we understand and support his decision to focus on the international formats and on the next phase of his personal life , '' Fox Broadcasting 's chairman of entertainment , Kevin Reilly , said in a statement . `` We wish him the very best , and it 's our sincere hope that we work together again soon . '' Cowell , 54 , is expecting his first child soon , and he said Friday that the decision to leave has left him with `` mixed emotions . '' `` You ( realize ) how much you owe to the fans who have supported all of the shows we made in both countries , '' Cowell tweeted . `` I have had a blast . Really the best time of my life . Thank you for the support and the fun we have had together . It 's never forgotten . We found some amazing talent . And now the search begins to find the next star . That 's why we make these shows . '' Cowell launched `` The X Factor '' in the United States in 2011 after serving as a judge on Fox 's other singing competition , `` American Idol , '' for eight years . The newer show had an uphill battle from the start , considering that it was up against both `` Idol '' and NBC 's talent show , `` The Voice . '' It did n't help that `` The X Factor '' had a revolving door of personalities as the series tried to stand apart : Paula Abdul , Nicole Scherzinger , Britney Spears , L.A. Reid , Demi Lovato , Kelly Rowland and Paulina Rubio have all joined Cowell , the mainstay judge , on the program . `` X Factor '' had just as tough a time securing consistent ratings . According to Entertainment Weekly , `` The X Factor '' averaged 7.1 million viewers and a 2.3 rating among adults 18-49 on Wednesday nights , an average that includes seven days of DVR playback . In a statement released by Fox , Cowell said that he 's had `` a fantastic time '' on both `` X Factor '' and `` Idol '' and that `` apart from being lucky enough to find some amazing talent on the shows , I have always had an incredible welcome from the American public ( most of the time ! ) . '' Cowell hinted he 's been considering returning to the UK since last year , although his move may not be permanent . `` I want to thank Fox for being an incredible partner and I also want to thank everybody who has supported my shows , '' he said . `` America , I 'll see you soon ! ''
Simon Phillips announces he 's leaving ` ` The X Factor '' and cancels ` ` The X Factor '' after three seasons . The reality TV judge is returning to ` ` The X Factor '' in the UK .