1:26am Friday 30th July 2010
© Press Association 2011
Ellen DeGeneres is leaving American Idol after one season as a judge for the hit Fox TV singing contest.
A person close to the show said DeGeneres won't return for the 10th season, which gives American Idol two vacancies on its judging panel.
Fox has yet to announce a replacement for Simon Cowell, who left at the end of last season to start a new talent show for the network.
With American Idol facing ratings erosion, the comedian-talk show host's exit gives Fox the chance to make a fresh start with a revamped judging panel.
quitsThe show returns in January.
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