By Sarah Bull
Published: 04:41 EST, 9 April 2014 | Updated: 07:26 EST, 9 April 2014
Simon Cowell has revealed the real reason behind Nicole Scherzinger's exit from the X Factor panel - a predicted clash between her and new judge Cheryl Cole.
The music mogul has admitted in a new interview that he felt he had no choice than to say goodbye to Nicole following Cheryl's confirmation of her return to the ITV show.
He said: 'I didn't think the two of them would work well together.'
'They wouldn't work well together': Simon Cowell has explained why he decided that Nicole Scherzinger and Cheryl Cole shouldn't be on the X Factor panel together
The pair would previously have worked together on The X Factor USA in 2011, when Nicole hosted the programme alongside Steve Jones, but Cheryl was fired as a judge from the panel after just a few days - leading to a long-time feud with Simon which was only recently resolved.
Other ventures: Nicole confirmed she was leaving the show earlier this year
But Simon does have an idea of who should fill the other spot on the panel - Spice Girls star Mel B.
He added: 'I like Mel B. We've got about a month to decide and we're meeting a lot of people. A lot of it actually depends on how much work they are willing to put in during the week.'
It remains to be seen just how feisty Mel would get on with the always outspoken Cheryl.
While Simon and Cheryl are both confirmed to take their seats at the X Factor judges' table this year, the remaining two spots have yet to be announced.
And despite claims that Cheryl was keen for Louis Walsh not to take up one of the spare places, Simon is keen to see the return of his right-hand man.
He told The Sun's Colin Robertson: 'I'd find it difficult to do the show without Louis.
'I tried it without him once and it didn't work. He does make a long day fun.
'I hope I don't have to talk ITV round. After ten years, he deserves a spot.'
So close: Cheryl and Nicole worked briefly together on The X Factor USA in 2011, but Cheryl was fired as a judge after just a few days
However, Simon previously revealed that Cheryl would have a say on her fellow judges, admitting: 'We've spoken to people but we did agree when Cheryl agreed to come back on the show that we would agree together.
'Because I'm not going to put someone next to her that she hates.'
Auditions for The X Factor kick off in Plymouth on Wednesday, before visiting more than 40 towns and cities throughout the UK to find the next big thing.
Line-up change: Last year's show saw Louis Walsh, Sharon Osbourne and Gary Barlow on the panel with Nicole - now Louis is the only member of the four tipped to return
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