- Cole's strong Geordie accent stopped U.S. audiences understanding her
Cheryl 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.
Replaced: Cheryl Cole has been sacked from the U.S. version of X Factor, with former Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger taking her place
She 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.
Experienced: Scherzinger had previously replaced Cole on the UK X Factor when she was seriously ill with malaria
The 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.
A spokesman for the show also declined to comment on Cole’s position. But if her axing is confirmed, it marks a humiliation for the star.
She had decided to put all her energy into making it in the U.S., and quit her role as a judge on the British version of the show to help the American launch.
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.
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 month
Cowell said at the time: ‘I’m thrilled for Cheryl. She is massively excited about this show.’
Cole said: ‘I’m so excited to be taking part in the American version of The X Factor.
‘I absolutely love it here in the UK and with the talent they have out in America, I’m sure we’re going to find someone very special. I can’t wait to get started.’
Cole is also said to have viewed the high profile that the role would give her as the perfect stepping stone for launching her solo pop career in the U.S.
She had even hinted she was considering making the U.S. her permanent home following her high-profile divorce from footballer Ashley Cole last year.
When asked if she was considering buying a home in Los Angeles she told the MailOnline last month: ‘Watch this space.’
Delighted: Scherzinger leaves Los Angeles airport LAX yesterday with a wide smile on her face
At one of the auditions for the U.S. show, Cole admitted: ‘You might have to bear with me on the accent.’
But it appeared to be under control.
Just last week Cowell appeared confident that America was embracing his protégé, who quit her job on the British X Factor panel to make her name Stateside.
'The audience seemed to warm to Cheryl,' he said. 'No problems with the understanding, from what we’ve heard.'
One person who will not be surprised is Sharon Osbourne.
When Cole's role on the show was announced the former UK X Factor judge said: 'Cheryl’s perfect for England - she’s the nation’s sweetheart and they absolutely love her.
'But over here it’s Nicole’s town. You have to think of the audience and most of them would never have heard of Girls Aloud.
'Nicole’s great TV, has a huge following here in the States and people absolutely love her. Plus she’s beautiful and talented.'
This will not be the first time Scherzinger has worked as an X Factor judge.
She was brought in to replace Dannii Minogue on the UK X Factor last year while the Australian singer was on maternity leave.
Cowell then brought Scherzinger back onto the UK X Factor judging panel to replace Cole when she was seriously ill with malaria last year.
At the time there were press reports that Cole was furious with the decision and even texted Simon asking: ‘Why did you get her?’
The next round of auditions, in Dallas, are set to take place tomorrow.
Calls to the U.S. X Factor were not returned.
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