Matt Richardson shocks with Xtra Factor exit news

Matt Richardson fronted the ITV2 spin-off show The Xtra Factor alongside Caroline Flack in 2013, but he was swiftly replaced by radio DJ Sarah-Jane Crawford the following year.

But rather than Matt, 25, reaching a mutual agreement on the decision over a cuppa tea with ITV bosses, the comedian has revealed that he found out the news when he opened up his morning paper – just like the rest of us.

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Copyright [WENN/ITV]

Responding to Jamie East’s question about whether anyone had ever been sacked or left a job by “mutual consent”, Matt candidly tweeted: “I found out The Xtra Factor sacked me when I read the paper that day. True story.”

Understandably shocked by his confession, one fan simply wrote in response: “That’s so bad!!”

At the time, Matt and Caroline shared announcements on social media, thanking the team and fans for their support, but agreed that it was time to “pass the baton” on.

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Copyright [Twitter/jamieeast/MattRichardson3]

An Xtra Factor spokesperson commented: “After 3 amazing years Caroline has chosen to move on from the show.

“As one of the longest serving Xtra Factor hosts ever, she did a brilliant job at getting all the goss and behind the scenes news and chats. We wish her all the best as she head off on to new adventures.

“Matt had a great partnership with Caroline and brought a comedy edge to his interviews. We’ll miss the fun factor that he brought to the show and which we’re sure he will take to his next project.”

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Copyright [Jonathan Hordle/Thames/REX/Shutterstock]

Sarah-Jane presented the show for a single series before confirming that she would not return as Xtra Factor’s frontwoman in 2015, instead she was replaced by The Saturdays’ Rochelle Humes and Kiss FM DJ Melvin Odoom.

However former X Factor alumni Rylan Clark-Neal and Matt Edmondson are currently hosting the new series of the spin-off show, and have received widespread praise for their on-screen chemistry.

The Xtra Factor continues on ITV2 straight after The X Factor.