(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Will.i.am says Cheryl Cole will come back "bigger and stronger" after being dumped from the American version of The X Factor.

The songstress had begun work on the audition process alongside Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and L.A. Reid as they searched for talent to appear in the new American edition of the music competition. However, reports emerged last week emerged suggesting show bosses had decided to replace her with former Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger due to worries about her regional British accent and a lack of chemistry between the judges.

It was confirmed that the 27-year-old had been sensationally dumped from the judging panel, and would not be appearing on the UK version of the show either.

Will.i.am has insisted however, that Cheryl is keeping her head held high and is already making plans for the future.

"Cheryl always comes back stronger, and she always comes back bigger. Cheryl has been through rougher things than this, so this is going to be no problem for her," he said in an interview with Heat magazine. "Over the next few months Cheryl is potentially going to be working with artists like Rihanna, Katy Perry, Usher and, of course, the Peas."

It was confirmed last night that the brunette beauty would not be returning to the British show. The ITV press centre released a statement on their Twitter page announcing the official judging line-up.

"Official: @TheXFactor (UK) judges will be: Gary Barlow, Tulisa Contostavlos, Kelly Rowland & Louis Walsh #itvpresscentre," they wrote. (C) Cover Media