Speculation has been rife for months over whether Cheryl Cole is set to take a place on the US X Factor judging panel.

And whilst nothing has been officially announced, confirmed judge LA Reid might have let the cat out of the bag.

When asked how the X Factor would differ from American Idol, the music producer answered: "We're gonna compete against Americal Idol just fine.

"I'm very confident. But along with Simon Cowell and Cheryl, I don't know who the other judge is."

When Simon's official spokesperson was asked about the remarks, they replied: "No comment."

The music mogul has apparently been trying to persuade the show's producers for months to hire Cheryl, 27.

But they hold concerns over her strong Newcastle accent and her low-profile in the US.

Photo: © Rex