The big reveal: Steve Jones, Scherzinger, L.A Reid, Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Cole pose as they prepare to record the first audition show last monthCheryl Cole is believed to have been sensationally sacked from the U.S. X Factor before the show has even hit TV screens.
Cole, 27, only started filming two weeks ago.
But according to reports in America, she has been replaced as a judge by Nicole Scherzinger, who had been due to be a co-host on the series.
Last night sources said Cole was dropped from the judging panel because producers were concerned her Geordie accent would be too difficult for an American audience to understand.
Experienced: Scherzinger had previously replaced Cole on the UK X Factor when she was seriously ill with malariaShe was also said to ‘lack chemistry’ with fellow judge Paula Abdul, according to U.S. gossip website TMZ.
There were suggestions last night that TV executives now want Cole to return to the British version of the show.
Scherzinger, 32, the girlfriend of Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton, was formerly in U.S. pop band Pussycat Dolls.
She will join Simon Cowell, record boss LA Reid and Miss Abdul on the panel.
Delighted: Scherzinger leaves Los Angeles airport LAX yesterday with a wide smile on her faceThe show is not due to hit TV screens until September, but in recent weeks the judges have been auditioning hopefuls. Cities so far visited included New York and Chicago.
After months of speculation, it was finally confirmed on May 5 that she was joining the programme.
With Cowell’s support, she secured a £1.2million contract. But producers included a get-out clause so they could drop her after the first series if she failed to win over viewers.
source: dailymail