TV

Fox cancels ‘X Factor’

Fox has cancelled Simon Cowell’s “The X Factor” after three low-rated seasons.

The network made the announcement late Friday afternoon.

“I’ve had a fantastic time over the last 12 years, both on ‘The X Factor’ and ‘American Idol,’ ” Cowell said in a statement released by Fox. “Last year, for a number of reasons, I had to make a decision to return to the UK version of ‘The X Factor’ in 2014.

“So for now, I’m back to the UK and I want to thank Fox for being an incredible partner and I also want to thank everybody who has supported my shows.”

“The X Factor,” which premiered in September 2011 — after Cowell left “American Idol” to launch the singing-competition show — never quite hit the ratings heights expected.

It averaged around 12.5 million viewers its first season, but that fell to 8.7 million viewers in Season 2 and to 6.5 million viewers in Season 3, which wrapped in December.

It also underwent a series of on-air changes since its debut. Original host Steve Jones was canned after the first season and was replaced by Khloe Kardashian and Mario Lopez, which was eventually winnowed down to only Lopez.

The judges panel was also switched around several times. In addition to Cowell, Paula Abdul, Cheryl Cole, LA Reid, Nicole Scherzinger, Demi Lovato, Britney Spears, Kelly Rowland and Paulina Rubio all spent time behind the judges’ table.

“Unfortunately, there is no ‘X Factor USA’ without Simon Cowell, but we understand and support his decision to focus on the international formats and on the next phase of his personal life,” Fox entertainment chief Kevin Reilly said in a statement.

“We wish him the very best, and it’s our sincere hope that we work together soon.”