Shock as X Factor legend QUITS the show after more than a decade

Jul 28, 2015

It's been a year of losses for The X Factor, and now the show is set to say goodbye to yet another family member.

The iconic voice of the live shows will be no more, as voiceover artist Peter Dickson has revealed he won't be appearing on the upcoming series.

"After the best 11 years with the X Factor, it's time for me to check out and cut loose," he wrote on Twitter today," prompting shock and sadness from fans of the show.

After the best 11 years with the X Factor, it's time for me to check out and cut loose.

— Peter Dickson (@peterdickson) July 28, 2015

"X Factor isn't going to be the same without you," wrote one follower. "But you're the best thing on it," wrote another.

Over the years Peter's voice has become as synonymous with the show as Simon Cowell's nasty comments and Cheryl's Geordie accent. From his iconic slogan, "It's time… to face… THE MUSIC" to his impeccable pronunciation of Rachel Adedeji's name, the show will be a different place without him.

Peter's shock departure follows months of dramatic changes to the show's lineup, which saw Dermot O'Leary leaving his post as presenter, Louis Walsh and Mel B ending their tenure as judges, and Sarah-Jane Crawford saying goodbye to The Xtra Factor.

With the first round auditions starting across the UK earlier this month, Olly Murs and Caroline Flack took up the reigns as co-hosts, while Rita Ora and Nick Grimshaw joined the judge's table alongside Cheryl and Simon.