Simon Cowell walked away from the X Factor three years ago to try and move the format to the US. He took prize judge Cheryl Cole with him, however she was sacked within weeks. Explaining why in a new interview the infamous Mr Nasty of the talent show world said it just wasn't the same Cheryl, who arrived across the pond.
Both are back this year to try to save the UK version, which has seen itself lose out in the battle for ratings to BBC One rival Strictly Come Dancing. But can they bring the magic back? Speaking to the Radio Times about what went wrong with X Factor's big US adventure he said: "When I saw her I didn't recognise her. Literally. The hair and outfit were crazy. Just totally crazy. I asked her manager, 'What's she wearing, what's happened to her hair?'
Cheryl's nightmare debut on US X Factor (WENN)
"He was defensive about it. I haven't a clue why she turned up like that."
Simon went on: "She'd put on a bit of weight, but not loads. That wasn't the issue.
"The only way I can describe it is that it wasn't Cheryl sitting in that seat. She'd lost her confidence."
The X Factor US ended last year after three seasons, with Cowell claiming it never really worked: "In hindsight I don't think that first day worked anyway. There was something not quite right about that show in America."
While he might be seen as a master of media, Simon acknowledged sacking the Girls Aloud star wasn't the best for business.
"If I could go back in time I would have kept her on the show," he said.
"It was stupid doing what I did. I didn't sack her personally. That was the second-biggest mistake I made.
"When you're under pressure you make stupid mistakes."
Cheryl and Simon are back on better terms now (WENN)
Clearly though, with Cheryl back on the show that's all water under the bridge and the two are as thick as thieves once more.
But the news Mrs Versini-Fernandez claimed she won't let him get away with anything on the show: "I've warned him never to let me down again.
"Just let him try."
