Nicole Scherzinger said Cheryl Cole has “done what’s best for her” after replacing the singer on the US version of the X Factor.

Cheryl was dropped from the show last month, only three weeks after she was first given a judging role, with X Factor boss Simon Cowell saying he was worried the Newcastle-born star would be uncomfortable in America.

He said he offered to give her a place back in the UK show and, when she refused that, offered to take her back to the US, but she turned him down again.

Asked about the whole affair on ITV’s Daybreak, former Pussycat Doll Nicole said: “My take is I was happy to be a part of the show, accept the role of the host, because I believe in Simon, I believe in the X Factor.

“I’ve met Cheryl only a couple of times and she’s absolutely gorgeous and lovely.

“I know she’s done what’s best for her. And for me it’s an honour to be up there, to be able to have a voice and serve as a mentor.”

She brushed aside criticism over the sexual nature of her new song, Right There, which is currently at number three in the charts, describing it as “a beautiful love ballad”.