Cheryl Cole looked “uncomfortable” on the panel of US X Factor, Simon Cowell admitted.
Cowell made the confession when he was quizzed by Piers Morgan on his CNN show.
Morgan told Cowell that he knew Cheryl well but was unsure what had exactly gone down before her exit from the show.
Cowell said: “I was talking to someone about this at the screening the other night and they put it very well – she looked a bit bewildered.
“Not everyone's like you Piers. You come to a country like America, it's a bit deal, takes a while to adjust.
“And I took the view, along with a few other people, that she would have been more comfortable back in the UK.”
Cowell said he did feel bad for her and what happened and took full responsibility for the situation, which he felt was best for the show.
But Nicole Scherzinger, who replaced the Girls Aloud stars on the panel, was also quizzed by Morgan, but wouldn't get drawn in to her thoughts on her departure.
Morgan asked her if it was a “bittersweet moment” getting the job at the expense of Cheryl who she had worked with.
After a pause, Nicole answered: ''Actually, the judges and the host, the schedule is gruelling and we're in two different areas so I didn't actually get to work with her that much.
“Obviously I think she's a gorgeous girl who is very charming but for me it was an honour, I'm not going to lie, I cried when Simon told me because I felt like no matter where he had me on the show, I was going to be of service and do the best I could.”
