Both The Mirror and OK Magazine are reporting that Cheryl Cole was told to drop Gamu Nhengu because of doubts about her visa.

Gamu is currently awaiting renewal of her visa, and whilst it is likely this will be granted, the shows producers felt the risk was too great.

“It was made clear Gamu shouldn’t go through because of the visa,” an insider told The Mirror. “Cheryl didn’t have a say. A lot of people on the show think it’s really unfair that Cheryl is taking all the flak as it was a group decision and she was just following orders.”

The X Factor generally causes a bit of controversy, but usually it’s a few weeks into the competition when one of the major contenders drops out.

This year the controversy has come early though, with Cheryl Cole choosing to pick two contestants who failed to sing at the final audition stage over what the audience believe are more talented singers.

We’ve been inundated with comments from those outraged by the elimination of Gamu Nhengu, and to a lesser extent Treyc Cohen. ‘Hate Cheryl Cole’ was also trending on Twitter, and a Facebook page against the decision to drop Gamu has gained more than 18000 fans already.

Some have speculated that Cheryl knew that the ‘wildcard’ week would happen, and so was asked by Simon Cowell to leave Gamu Nhengu out of her selections.

Will.i.am will be helping Cheryl Cole at this year’s “Judges’ Houses” round of The X Factor, it has been reported.

Cole is due to choose her final X Factor contestants at a mansion in Sandbanks, Dorset.

There had been rumours that Cheryl’s boyfriend Derek Hough would support her in picking the acts she will mentor for the competition. However, will.i.am has confirmed that he will participate in the show, amid reports that Hough has been banned from appearing.

The Black Eyed Peas frontman told Metro: “When Cheryl asked me to come over and help her out I was straight on a plane. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.”

Speaking about Cole, he added: “She’s got her spirit back. She is doing well and looks great. It’s great spending time with her.”

No, not the location of the houses the judges live in – instead where contestants are off to for the “judge’s house” section of the competition, where the live finalists are selected.

SIMON
Location: Los Angeles, California.
Helpers: Kelly Rowland and Clive Davis

CHERYL:
Location: Miami, Florida.
Helpers: Derek Hough and Nicole Scherzinger

LOUIS:
Location: Nice, France.
Helpers: Brian McFadden and Delta Goodrem

DANNII:
Location: Australia
Helpers: Kylie Minogue and Rodney Jerkins