Producers Say Cheryl Coles Accent, Stateside Profile Not Motives In X Factor Exit

By Jolie LashBEVERLY HILLS, Calif. -- Producers at FOX say Cheryl Coles strong, regional English accent, and lack of profile stateside had no relationship to the British singer departing The X Factor as a judge and mentor after just two audition rounds. The crowd was great with her, President of Alternative Entertainment for FOX, Mike Darnell, told Access Hollywood after The X Factor panel at the Television Critics Association Session in Beverly Hills on Friday. I think that Simon and the producers just felt that it was, at the moment that she was doing it, they felt like maybe, she would be more comfortable doing [the show in] England. Cecile Frot-Coutaz, an Executive Producer of The X Factor, said Cole was well received by the American crowds and no contestants questioned whether she was experienced enough in the stateside entertainment world to judge. I think people knew her because she was on the British show. There was nobody who said, Well, who are you? Frot-Coutaz told Access. People knew who Cheryl was and when she walked into the arena, people knew who Cheryl was and they understood her [accent]. I think it was more of a trade off in terms of the franchise. Frot-Coutaz suggested that Simon Cowells own departure from The X Factors UK branch to the U.S. edition was responsible for producers thinking it might be best to keep Cole on the British show. The English, they were looking for their panel in England, she said. After Simons departure, they had to recast the British show. Darnell confirmed that Coles exit will be featured as part of The X Factor when it begins this September. Well have to, he said. Were going to air the shows as they happened, Frot-Coutaz added. Effectively, Cheryl was with us for two cities and when we air those two cities, shell be in the scenes, Frot-Coutaz added. Theres not a big explanation. Sometimes you have guest judges and theyre there for a couple of cities and you dont dwell on the judges Its about the talent; its about the auditions; its about the contestants. The X Factor premiers on FOX on September 21. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.