Cowell feels 'guilty' over Cheryl Cole

Los Angeles - Cheryl Cole will receive her full £1.2m fee for the US version of The X Factor.

Despite being sacked earlier this week after just four days on the show's judging panel, Cheryl will take home full pay for the series, even though she is unlikely to appear in the final version of the show.

Cheryl was said to be "shocked and stunned" at the news she was being let go by the Fox network which makes the show, who reportedly cited a "lack of chemistry" with fellow judge Paula Abdul as their reason.

The X Factor boss Simon Cowell - who brought the 27-year-old singer to the US for the show - has broken his silence on the matter, saying, "I feel guilty."

He also insisted his "hands were tied" by network executives at Fox.

‘Necessary evil’

A source close to the TV mogul told The Sun newspaper: "He loves Cheryl and did everything in his power to get her on US TV.

"But channel chiefs just weren't happy. It was a necessary evil and he feels terribly guilty about it."

Cheryl is believed to have been replaced by Nicole Scherzinger on the judging panel of the talent show, which also includes Simon and LA Reid.

Cheryl is now locked in negotiations about a possible return to the UK version of the show, although sources say she is asking for a much higher fee.