Sharon Osbourne says Simon Cowell is to blame for The X Factor's falling ratings.

Sharon Osbourne

Sharon Osbourne

The former show judge has taken another swipe at the music mogul - who she recently branded a "mother f***er", and said he has a "fat face" - by claiming he is the reason for any decrease in viewing figures, because he keeps altering the format.

She said: "Unfortunately, not out of malice, but I am only saying this because Simon's quote thinks it is funny, that the figures have dropped, and dropped and dropped through the course of the show.

"I am not saying it was all me at all, but [it's because of] his decision to change the show again and again and again."

Sharon was due to return to the judging panel for the live shows but following her outburst about Simon she has since confirmed she will not be taking her place on the panel.

And she now claims Simon wanted her to go back and "judge the judges" on this year's panel - made up of the show boss, Louis Tomlinson, and Robbie Williams and his wife Ayda Field - but she didn't like the idea.

Speaking about being informed she was no longer needed, she told The Sun's Bizarre TV column: "Later they call me in and say, 'We don't really think we need you,' and I'm like, 'Fine - just keep sending the money.'

"It is fine they are paying me, they had to."

Sharon confirmed last month she had departed 'The X Factor', calling Simon "gracious" and wishing the show "success".

She wrote on Facebook: "After watching the new season #XFactor unfold, I've seen the new judges finding their rhythm and are doing brilliantly.

"Simon was so gracious to find me a spot on the live shows but at this point I really don't think I'm needed and I would honestly feel odd coming in at this point. So I have decided to pass on the series this year.

"I wish the show continued success and as much as I love to get my face on TV you will have to do without me this season."

That came after she claimed in a radio interview that Simon would do anything to get his "fat face" on television, before saying she wanted to "drown" him and branded the show a "f***ing karaoke."

Asked who she would save if they were on a sinking ship, Sharon joked at the time: "We would put a f***ing brick around his neck and throw him over. I will drown you mother f***er. Absolutely...he's gone."