Chin up Cheryl

It wasn't long ago that I was blogging about how gutted I was about the fact that my second favourite X Factor judge (Simon was obviously number 1) Cheryl Cole had jetted off to America, to star as a judge on the upcoming USA X Factor. I definitely wasn't expecting to be writing this a little less than two weeks later..

There still haven't been any official words from either Simon or Cheryl, and with representatives for Fox and  Mr. Cowell's production company both declining to comment the rumour mill has subsequently been on absolute fire today about the alleged axing of Cheryl from the American version of X Factor. It's been a trending topic on Twitter since the early hours of the morning, sprawled across several newspaper front pages, all over gossip websites and even discussed on the 6 o'clock news!

It was first reported that Cheryl had apparently been axed because of her strong Geordie accent and that the American producers were worried that their audience wouldn't understand her. However I'm not sure if I buy into that story. I mean they would have surely run a few screen tests etc before choosing her as a judge to see whether or not she (and her voice) would be appropriate for their audience. Wouldn't they? It was then later said that it was in fact her own doing, that she had decided to pull out of the talent show herself because she was feeling homesick and couldn't bear being so far away from family and friends. Then started the rumours that actually it was because she had clashed with Paula Abdul, and there was a complete lack of "chemistry and compassion" between the two female judges.

Rumours are also rife that the former Girls Aloud singer will be replaced by Nicole Scherzinger, who appeared on our version last year in replace of Cheryl after she contracted Malaria on a trip to Africa. (I have 4music on in the background and they're currently playing "Cheryl & Nicole's X Factor Battle!" a run through of each of their videos back-to-back - they sure don't hang around!) Nicole was first hired on USA X Factor to present the live shows alongside Steve Jones. Also, it was only a couple of days ago that Cheryl stepped out in Chicago in a cute polka dotted dress ready to start the auditions there. She smiled and waved to the crowds and posed and spoke to journalists and news crews about how she was enjoying her new role. A prime example of how a lot can change in a couple of days I guess..

Although, as I've mentioned, Cheryl still hasn't come out and said anything about the whole incident yet (I imagine if she has been sacked she'd be pretty embarrassed that it's all so public) Dannii Minogue (who also recently departed ways with X Factor as the schedule clashed with her Australia's Got Talent timetable) has. She took to her twitter page earlier on today to say "Judging roles should come with a life jacket, drop down oxygen and a life raft! Sending Channii love" Oooohhhh..

So did Cheryl jump or was she pushed? Was she sacked because of her accent? Was she homesick? Was it due to her not getting on with Paula? Is the real reason behind her leaving actually because she wants to appear on the new MTV show Geordie Shore? Or is it all a farce and Simon Cowell is actually pulling a massive PR stunt, to muster up media attention and then turn it all around and keep her on the panel? Whatever the answer I'm sure there will be more developments tomorrow.. And in the meantime the only thing I'm really concerned about is whether she'll be returning to our X Factor or not. My fingers are tightly crossed that she does because I really couldn't imagine much worse than having that N Dubz rude-girl being a judge instead. Face, meet my palm!

And by the way Cheryl, if you're reading this, if you have been axed at least now you can come home and watch all the soaps you said you'd desperately miss over in America, drink English tea without having to get it shipped in and also it could have been worse, at least you lasted longer than Kelly Brook did on BGT..!