Sharon Osbourne Amazed to Still Be Presenting With Simon Cowell  8/16/05

The X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne was shocked to be invited back on the forthcoming second series of the hit UK TV show, after ending last year's (04) final in a huge row with her fellow acid-tongued judge Simon Cowell.

The rock matriarch was convinced her fiery temper had blown her chances and was amazed when the show's producers offered her a lucrative sum for The X Factor 2.

She says, "The main reason for coming back was the money.

"I was really surprised when I got asked back. After the row in the final, I went into my dressing room and Ozzy called and said, 'You f**ked it, you're unemployed now.'"

The bickering between the judges is set to continue in the second series, which starts on British television this Saturday (20AUG05), when Sharon throws a glass of Coke over third judge Louis Walsh.