“I told them I wouldn’t leave them in a bind and that I would hold off on doing anything until they were able to figure out where they wanted to take the panel next. It was a difficult decision to make, but my work schedule became more than I bargained for.”

“I also realised this season that while I love discovering, supporting and nurturing young talent, it was hard for me to judge people and sometimes hurt their feelings. I loved the experience working on Idol and I am very grateful for the year I had. I am a huge fan of the show and will continue to be.”

That said, when rumours floated around that fellow judge Simon Cowell planned to leave the show, Ellen hinted that she would not stay without the surly Brit on the panel.

“If Simon goes, I go!” declared Ellen to Entertainment Weekly in January this year.

Even though this means Idol execs have not one, but two seats to fill, they aren’t at all bitter about her departure.

“I loved Ellen’s passion for the artists and her nurturing skills,” Idol creator and executive producer Simon Fuller said in a statement. “She brought honesty and optimism to our judging panel and I will miss her greatly.”

“We love Ellen and understand and support her decision to bow out of Idol,” said Fox Networks’ chairman of entertainment Peter Rice. “We were fortunate to receive the humor, energy and love for talent that she brought to the show.”

Did any of you see this coming? We certainly didn’t!