Former UK X Factor judge Cheryl Cole is being replaced by ex-Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger on the US version of the show, reports TMZ.
Scherzinger will join Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and L.A. Reid at the judges table when the show debuts on Fox in the fall. It’s not clear why Cole is being replaced, but producers are reportedly worried her thick accent would make it hard for American audiences to understand. There is no official report from Fox, but TMZ says the shake up is recent and details are still being worked out.
Scherzinger originally signed on to be a co-host alongside British personality Steve Jones. Producers will now have to bring in a new co-host or decide to let Jones have solo hosting duties. Cole was featured in recent X Factor promos and participated in auditions in LA two weeks ago.
Check back for more as the story develops.