CHERYL COLE has been dropped from US X-Factor over reports that her Geordie accent was “too thick” for American audiences to understand.

The website TMZ reports that the accent was just one of a number of issues – apparently she and judge Paula Abdul also “lacked chemistry”.

There are plans for Cole to return to the UK version of the show, but she is reported to be so miffed at how she’s been treated that she might leave the show altogether.

Steve Jones is now the only host on the US version show, and Nicole Scherzinger is due to fill Cheryl’s empty seat on the judging panel.

A source close to Cole told Us Weekly: ”It’s true. She isn’t on the show anymore. Everyone is gobsmacked. This came out of nowhere. She had already been tested countless times. Simon had nothing to do with it. This is the network’s doing.”

It’s only three weeks since Cole was unveiled as a judge on the show. At the time, she said: “I’m so excited to be taking part. With the talent they have out in America, I’m sure we’re going to find someone very special.”

She also insisted “Americans can always understand me. I’ve been here a lot, I’ve got a lot of American friends.”

But we’re not so sure. Can you understand Cheryl Cole?