Cheryl Cole was dropped from the judging panel on "X-Factor" largely because producers were concerned her English accent would be too difficult for an American audience to understand ... sources close to the production tell TMZ.
There were other issues too -- we're told Cheryl and fellow judge Paula Abdul had a "lack of chemistry" ... and Cheryl was more expendable.
Producers now want Cheryl to return to the UK version of the show -- but according to sources, Cheryl's royally pissed over how this situation was handled ... and may sever ties with "X-Factor" entirely.
With Cheryl out, Steve Jones will be the only host on the show -- which debuts in September -- while Nicole Scherzinger fills the open seat on the judging panel.
Calls to Simon Cowell still haven't been returned.
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