Cheryl Cole’s Accent — Too Thick for ‘X-Factor’

5/25/2011 4:20 PM PDT by TMZ Staff  

Cheryl Cole was dropped from the judging panel on “X-Factor” largely because producers were  concerned her English accent would be too difficult for an American audience to understand … sources close to the production tell TMZ. .

There were other issues too — we’re told Cheryl and fellow judge Paula Abdul had a “lack of chemistry” … and Cheryl was more expendable.

Producers now want Cheryl to return to the UK version of the show — but according to sources, Cheryl’s royally pissed over how this situation was handled … and may sever ties with “X-Factor” entirely.

With Cheryl out, Steve Jones will be the only host on the show — which debuts in September — while Nicole Scherzinger fills the open seat on the judging panel.

Calls to Simon Cowell still haven’t been returned.

Tags: Cheryl Cole, Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, X Factor