Cheryl Cole Now an Ex Factor; Show Gets Catty

That was fast! Months before the highly anticipated X-Factor is set to debut, singer Cheryl Cole has been booted from the judging panel in a shocking move. Although Cole has been a fixture on the UK version of the hit show, she apparently didn't make the cut on U.S. soil. TMZ is reporting that one of the main reasons that the Girls Aloud singer was sent packing was due to her heavy accent. Producers believed the Brit beauty's accent would be too hard for contestants to understand. But that wasn't the producers' only issue with Cole. Sources say that Cole and fellow judge Paula Abdul had a "lack of chemistry" and decided the former American Idol judge was more integral than Cole. No word on what show creator Simon Cowell had to say about Cole's dismissal, but one thing is for certain -- Cole ain't a happy camper. TMZ says producers want Cole to return to the UK show, but Cole feels so slighted she may cut the cord with X-Factor forever. Of course, we all know that for the right price, amends can always be made. Cole's departure left an opening on the judge's panel, which will now be filled by Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger. Scherzinger was originally slated to be a co-host with Steve Jones. With the new move, Jones will host solo as Scherzinger assumes her new role as judge alongside Abdul, Cowell and LA Reid. X-Factor debuts in September on Fox.