Matt Richardson rejected a return to the ‘Xtra Factor’ because bosses wanted him to be more serious.
The 23-year-old comedian – who presented the ‘X Factor’ spin-off show last year with Caroline Flack – claims he turned down the opportunity because he wasn’t ready to give up his comedic nature.
He exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "ITV wanted to change the show to be different this year and even quite early on in the year, I was asked if it was to become more serious, would I still be interested. I wasn’t because everything that I do is comedy based.
"It was pretty much sort of them wanting to change it and me not really feeling like there was a place for me anymore."
Sarah-Jane Crawford will now take over the reigns of the ITV show later this year and Matt feels like she’s perfectly suited to the role and it’s her time to shine.
He explained: "I only met her once … She’s really nice, she’s worked really hard – like she’s been grafting for 10 years so I think she’s due a break like ‘Xtra Factor’.
"I don’t have any ill feelings. I think she’ll be really good and really different, which is what they wanted and I think it’s really exciting when shows get new talent in to present. So I think good luck to her."
Matt will next be seen in the Virgin Media Louder Lounge and Virgin Media Our House at the forthcoming V Festival, http://www.vfestival.com, on August 16 and 17, where he will perform.
Matt Richardson turned down ‘Xtra Factor’ return because of seriousness
