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British pop star Cheryl Cole has been dropped from the judging panel of the US version of The X Factor, according to a US report.

Entertainment website TMZ said sources claimed producers were concerned the singer's Newcastle accent was too strong for US audiences.

Cole's UK publicist has refused to comment on the story.

Former Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger, who had been lined up to co-host, will replace her, reports say.

After months of speculation, it was confirmed earlier this month that Cole had landed the coveted spot on the judging panel alongside former American Idol judge Paula Abdul, Antonio LA Reid and Simon Cowell.

'Big commitment'

Speaking to reporters outside the US studio on her first day in her new role, the Girls Aloud singer said she was not concerned about her accent.

"Americans can always understand me," she said.

The 27-year-old added that she thought the audience would eventually "get used to it".

The US job, which Cole called "a big commitment" meant she would not take part in this autumn's UK version of the show.

"I'm going to miss it like crazy. I'll be keeping one eye on it, making sure everyone is OK," she said.

"You know, everything's really new for me and quite scary, so it took me a long time to get my head around being asked."

Scherzinger was originally expected to co-host the show - which launches in the US this autumn - with Welsh TV presenter Steve Jones.

Attending the National Movie Awards in London earlier this month, Scherzinger told reporters she thought Cole was "lovely and beautiful" to work with.