Americans will love Cheryl Cole – Cowell

Simon Cowell says he thinks American viewers will take Newcastle-born Cheryl Cole to their hearts on the US X Factor – and said TV bosses have been “desperate” to sign her.

Although the deal is yet to be finalised, Mr Cowell said he wanted her on the panel along with Paula Abdul.

The selection procedure has been dragging on for months with only Mr Cowell and former record boss LA Reid so far confirmed for the panel.

But in a new interview, Mr Cowell again gave his backing to Ms Cole and said he had a “hunch” she would be a big hit in the US.

“This girl is special. She’s just got a great ability to communicate,” he told the Deadline entertainment website. He countered suggestions that US TV bosses have been reluctant to take on the Girls Aloud star, who is virtually unknown across the Atlantic. Mr Cowell said he showed a video clip of Ms Cole to Fox executives two years ago and they were instantly impressed.

“They absolutely fell in love with her. In a way, the deal (to produce a US version of X Factor), it was almost conditional on Cheryl having the gig. They were desperate for her.”

ITV confirmed last week that Mr Cowell would not have a weekly judging role when the UK version of the show returns in August, due to his other commitments. The first series of X Factor in the US is due to begin in September.