Singer Cheryl Cole has reportedly upset US fans by sitting next to Simon Cowell on the US X Factor panel.

The 27-year-old star recently joined the line-up on the show alongside Cowell and his former American Idol co-star Paula Abdul as well as music producer LA Reid.

It’s claimed fans are upset that Cole has taken the seat next to Cowell leaving Abdul further down the panel line.

A source said to Britain’s MailOnline: ‘The fans are angry because Cheryl is sitting next to Simon. They call Paula and Simon ‘Saula’ and think that Cheryl is splitting them up.’

However Cole has made a popular start with US fans.

The source added: ‘Cheryl is still proving a hit and winning over lots of fans. Paula has taken it on the chin and her and Cheryl have been ganging up on Simon and LA Reid.’

Source | Twitpics from Yday filming 1 & 2