It is reported that Cheryl Cole is "shocked and stunned" that she will not be a judge on the US version of 'The X Factor'.
There were conflicting reports yesterday that Cole had been dropped from the show because of difficulties understanding her accent, and that she had left because she felt homesick.
The Sun quotes a "close pal" of the singer as saying: "She never saw this coming."
The paper's source alleged: "The fact that Simon [Cowell] didn't tell her in person hurt. She never thought he would do that to her."
However, the tabloid also says that Cowell's "camp" has insisted he told Cole three days ago that her role as judge "wasn't working".
A source said: "Cheryl can hardly say this was a total shock. She actually knew about it three days ago.
"Simon told her in person at his house that it wasn't working and that he was under so much pressure to release her.
"She knows she has been nervous in her performances and TV execs were privately concerned."
With ITV due to begin filming auditions for 'The X Factor' in the UK next Wednesday, speculation is mounting that Cole will return to that show.
