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Cowell’s fury as Cheryl Cole backs Strictly’s Alesha
By Georgina Littlejohn Last updated at 11:49am on 25.09.09Cheryl Cole has been warned to stop giving the BBC “free publicity” after she spoke out in defence of Alesha Dixon.
The Girls Aloud star was told by Simon Cowell not to get involved after she stuck up for Dixon when she was slated for her debut as a judge on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing.
Strictly X Factor: Cheryl Cole must not talk about the BBC's rival show
The pop star was slammed by viewers and critics for her lack of experience after she replaced former judge Arlene Phillips, 66, on the show.
Cole, 26, who is a judge on ITV's The X Factor alongside Cowell, became close to Dixon, 30, when they both climbed Mount Kilimanjaro earlier this year for Comic Relief.
Defending her friend's new job, she said: “I don't need to give Alesha any advice. Honestly, she's a really strong woman.”
Speaking to Staffordshire and South Cheshire radio station Signal 1, Cole added: “I can't tell you how hard it was to climb that mountain. I promise you, it was one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life, both mentally and physically. If she can do that, then she can get through this.
“I haven't seen the programme but I think she's well qualified. I wish her the best of luck and I hope it all backs off for her.”
But ITV insiders said Cowell, 49, is concerned that Cole has been distracted from her job on the X Factor by wading into the row.
A source said: “Simon's very much of the opinion of letting Strictly get on with it. He knows he's got the best show on the box and what they do is their own business.
“He wants everyone connected with the show to be pulling in the same direction and not getting distracted by this backlash over Alesha.
“Simon would rather Cheryl spoke about The X Factor. After all, if she talks about Strictly, all she is doing is giving a rival show free publicity.”
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Reader views (6)
please please tell me where S.Cowell gets his haircut I would just love one the samne style
- Jimbo, edinburgh
Simon Cowell , just to remind you It's a free world, and you will not miss out on viewers and you know it.
Signed,
Sheperds pie.
- John L., Scarborough N.YKS. England. U.K.
Based on the comments from your "source", I won't be watching X-Factor.
- St, London
The callous and spiteful comments about the contestants made by Arlene Phillips, particularly against John Serjeant, were the real reason behind her removal.
- Manny Goldstein, London, England
Yeah it's a police state Mike Mitchell...or it could just be an employer asking an employee not to help promote a competitor which I think everyone would understand.
Or of course it could just be a way of cowell getting x-factor into the press more by 'joining the alesha' debate...after all it does appear SCD is getting more press than x-factor...
- Andy, Richmond
Who is Simon Cowell? Uncle Joe? Are we already living in a police state and told what to think or say? Cheryl Cole should be allowed to say what the heck she wants! I, too, think the fuss about the lovely Alesha on Strictly is largely driven by the little green monkey.
- Mike Mitchell, Spalding, England
