It's Official: Cheryl Cole Has The Ex Factor

Singer Cheryl Cole has been officially dropped as a judge on the upcoming US version of Simon Cowell's talent contest The X Factor.

US broadcaster Fox and Cowell's production company confirmed the sacking in an official announcement, ending almost two weeks of rumour and speculation about problems with the line-up.

Cole, who had been Cowell's personal choice for the panel, will be officially replaced by PussyCat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger, who was previously announced as the co-host of the show.

The brief statement by Fox and Syco was the first official comment on reports that Cole had been replaced following the filming of two audition episodes last month.

The statement gave no reasons for the change and did not address the way producers would handle the sessions already shot with Cole on the judge's panel.

The singer's official website has not been updated since May 6, and still says Cole is judge on the show that offers a $5m (£3.7m) recording contract.

Early media reports said the former Girls Aloud band member was dropped because of fears that US viewers would have difficulty understanding her Geordie accent.

Showbiz websites described her accent as being "too thick".

Reports over the weekend said that Cowell was fighting to keep Cole on the show, which is billed as the highlight of Fox television's upcoming autumn television schedule.