Why Cowell sacked Cheryl from US X Factor

Simon and Cheryl on the cover of the Radio Times Credit: Radio Times

X Factor judge Simon Cowell has described his fallout with Cheryl Fernandez-Versini as a 'nightmare'. He said 'there was something not quite right' about US X Factor.

The pair's relationship became a hit with viewers on the UK version, but it came to an end when Cowell sacked Cheryl from the American show just weeks after she started.

Speaking to the Radio Times, Simon added that Cheryl 'had put weight on' and her 'confidence had plummeted' following her divorce from Ashley Cole.

Despite Simon telling the Radio Times he should have kept Cheryl on, Mrs Fernandez-Versini said he did the right thing.