Cheryl Cole 'Shocked' Over X Factor USA Sacking

Cheryl Cole has been left “shocked and stunned” after being dropped as a judge on The X Factor USA, it's been reported.

The Girls Aloud star, who was only confirmed for the role earlier this month by Simon Cowell, was apparently let go over fears Americans could not understand her accent.

A close friend told The Sun that Cole “never saw it coming”.

"The fact that Simon didn't tell her in person hurt,” they added. “She never thought he would do that to her."

Cole has reportedly been replaced as a judge by Pussycat Dolls star Nicole Scherzinger, who had originally been brought in to co-host the programme.

Cheryl Cole's X Factor USA Story