Cheryl Cole in talks with Simon Cowell over X Factor future

Over and out: Cheryl Cole may now make a return to the UK X Factor after reportedly rowing with Paula Abdul
Bo Wilson11 April 2012
The Weekender

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British stars rallied to support Cheryl Cole today as Simon Cowell was reported to be in talks with the pop star about her future after she was dropped from American X Factor.

The TV mogul's friend, singer Sinitta, said: "All I can say is Simon and Cheryl are very close and I believe that they are in talks trying to sort something out, and as soon as they agree on something then we'll hear about it."

Sinitta, who appeared regularly on the ITV talent show, spoke on the network's Daybreak programme. According to reports, X Factor bosses are keen for Cole, 27, to return to the UK version.

She was reportedly dropped from the US X Factor judging panel because producers feared the audience would not understand her Geordie accent.

There were also concerns that she had a "lack of chemistry" with fellow judge Paula Abdul. Cole's place is likely to be taken by former Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger.

Cole is understood to be back in Britain but questions remain over what her next career move will be.

The Girls Aloud star won backing from former X Factor runners-up JLS. Band member Marvin Humes said: "It's disappointing. Cheryl's an incredibly strong woman, she has been through a lot. I think she'll bounce back from this.

"When one door closes, another one opens. She will be welcomed home with open arms, and everyone wants to see her return to the UK version of the show. It would be amazing."

Representatives of Cole, The X Factor and ITV have so far declined to comment.

Paul Watson founder of somebodytolove.com and compatibility expert said: "Cheryl & Simon have only an 8% compatibility rating. These two are not as close as everyone thinks.

"Their relationship is based on them being business entities to each other. Ruthless Simon brought Cheryl to the states when she was flavour of the month. No surprise that if her Geordie charm is lost on a US audience he wouldn't think twice about removing her from the equation. Cheryl is a softie, which clashes with Simon's brutal side, I'm not sure she could hold her own with the US judges."

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