SiCo Insists: 'Cheryl Wasn't Sacked From X Factor USA'

11:44, Tuesday, 9 April 2013

Simon Cowell has addressed Cheryl Cole's infamous departure from The X Factor USA insisting to Radio One's Nick Grimshaw that she wasn't sacked.

During an interview about the new series of Britain's Got Talent, SiCo was teased about her exit by fellow BGT panellist David Walliams when Grimshaw quizzed the music mogul over this year's XF judging line-up.

Nick asked Cowell: "Have you decided on a new panel for X Factor? I saw Tulisas getting sacked on the front page?"

Simon replied: "I think therell be a few changes, yeah."

Grimshaw then probed further: "When it says in the paper that someones sacked, do you! actually have to do it or can you get someone else to do it?"

Before Cowell could answer, Walliams said: "He doesnt do it because hes a coward! He gets an executive producer to do it.

"Did you phone up Cheryl Cole and tell her she was sacked from US X Factor or did Richard Holloway do it?"

SiCo hit back: "She wasnt actually sacked from American X Factor, we offered her the UK show instead."

David went on: "Well thats being sacked from one showDid you make that phone call yourself?"

Cowell responded: "No its not. Thats being transferred. I had a conversation with her about doing the UK show."

The 53-year old also hit the headlines today (April 9) after confessing to Radio Times magazine that he was smitten with Chezza from the first time he saw her.

Simon gushed: "When she walked in I thought she was one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen.

Despite his obvious crush on Cole, Cowell has been dogged with gay rumours for a number of years, with the star denying the allegations to the mag.

He stated: "I couldnt care less because its nothing to be ashamed of. If I was living 200 years ago in a coal mine, maybe, but I work in possibly the gayest industry in the world.

"A lot of my friends are gay, but Im not and dont even think that way any more. It feels like such an antiquated question.

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