Last Updated: 25 Oct 2010

The Cheryl saga continues

There seems to be no let up in The X Factor controversy at the moment, particularly when it comes to Cheryl Cole, who could be in danger of losing her Nation's Sweetheart crown.

Sources say that Cheryl and Simon Cowell have had a bit of a falling out because Cheryl feels she has been thrown under the bus a little by The X Factor production team.

There are reports that she has been receiving death threats and has been mercilessly criticized by fans for her choices on last week's show.

Now a spy within the production team says, "Cheryl has found to her cost how ratings come first and your personal reputation second. She feels she was just following instructions and now is being cast as the villain of the piece."

Sources also say that Cheryl is trying to share the blame for her choices so that she can shake off some of the burden of her acts being good on Saturday night.

She apparently said of her friend Will.I.Am, "Will’s advice was vital as he was coming into this with fresh eyes. He had no preconceived ideas. I trust his instincts even above my own.”

She apparently continued, "It was harder than it looked as every girl was a great singer. The ones who didn’t have the X Factor could think it was mean or unfair. It’s hard being judged for judging."

What do you think, is Cheryl passing the buck here?