Nigel Lythgoe has confirmed that he has been axed from American Idol.

The British TV producer took to Twitter to say he had been ditched from the US singing competition, just weeks after it was revealed that judges Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Randy Jackson were also leaving.

Nigel, who had been executive producer for several years, tweeted: "Just had 10 days in the Bahamas, rain every day. I get back to the States and get fired. Sad!"

It's thought the move is part of a shake-up in a bid to boost ratings, which have slumped since the show's early years.

And Nigel insisted it was nothing personal, explaining that he will still be working with Fox on dance show So You Think You Can Dance.

"Yes, don't worry I'm on #SYTYCD. FOX still loves me. It's not a personal thing they just feel IDOL needs new leadership after 12 Seasons," he tweeted.

He ended his announcement by quoting Taoist philosopher Lao Tzu, tweeting: "The best of leaders when the job is done, when the task is accomplished, people will say we have done it ourselves."

It will be Nigel's second exit from the show. After starting on Idol in 2002 he left in 2008, then returned in 2010.

Last month Idol judges Mariah and Nicki both announced they were leaving after just one season on the panel. Veteran judge Randy, who sat on the original panel alongside Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul, announced ahead of the 12th season finale that he was also saying goodbye to the show.

It is not yet known if Keith Urban, who was also a judge for the last series, will return.