Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole have decided not to take part in the next series of 'The X Factor' in the UK

The News of the World says Cowell and Cole, tipped to work together on his US version of the show, have told ITV bosses that they would not have the time to appear on both programmes.

Cowell is quoted by "a friend" as saying: "I'm committed to the American show and I'm not going to do both."

A source told the paper: "Simon would have to produce two big shows at the same time and he and Cheryl would have to mentor and judge acts in both countries. It would just be too much for them."

Cowell appeared to say last week in a US interview that he would still appear on both shows.