'X Factor' Drama Continues: Has Cheryl Cole Quit?

"The X Factor" can't seem to catch a break. Back when taping began, negotiations with fourth judge Paula Abdul went down to the wire with an agreement being reached only moments before cameras started rolling. Now, it looks like "X Factor" might have another issue with another judge: Cheryl Cole.

The British singer was the second judge to be brought on by creator Simon Cowell, but was likely his first choice as Cole had served as a guest judge for the UK version of "The X Factor" on occasion. Now, there are rumors that Cole has either quit or been booted off the show.

The reason isn't exactly clear: some, like Deadline, suggest that it might be Cole's heavy accent. That seems a pretty weak reason to fire someone, so there's probably either another reason, or the whole thing is untrue.

If it is true, though, that could mean serious trouble for "X Factor." Getting a new judge should be no problem (host Nicole Scherzinger could easily step in), but the Los Angeles auditions have already been taped with Cole in as a judge. It would be a huge undertaking to re-film those, so it looks like they'll have to just stick with the footage.

We'll see if this turns out to be true or not. Stay tuned.