Axed Kate felt "let down" by Cowell

Kate Thornton has admitted that she felt "let down" by Simon Cowell after being axed as the host of X Factor.

The decision came as a huge shock to the blonde presenter because she had previously been assured several times by Cowell that her job was in no danger.

"It was a very public sacking but it was also very private for me. I felt let down because I'd been assured privately and publicly by Simon that my job was safe. I took him at his word and he let me down," Kate told The Sun.

"It was reported that I was devastated and I spent days in tears, which wasn't the case. I was angry. I'd blocked out six months of my year for a job I thought was mine. I'm a freelancer and I would never, ever, judge an employer for not renewing my contract. That is their right. It's not what was done, it's how it was done."

Thornton has not spoken to Cowell since learning that she would not be returning for the fourth series of the talent show.

"He called me once but I didn't return his call," she admitted. "I simply didn't see the point. What would it achieve? I promised myself I wouldn't get into a war of words and I don't intend to. The people involved know how I feel. If I bump into Simon I won't feel awkward. I've done nothing wrong."

The X Factor returns in August with Dermot O'Leary fronting the programme.