Cheryl Cole shuns X Factor girls

Cheryl Cole hasn't made contact with her three 'X Factor' protgees since the series finished two months ago.

The 'Promise This' singer - who is currently trying to secure herself a job on the US version of the ITV1 show - reportedly abandoned Rebecca Ferguson, Cher Lloyd and Katie Waissel following the final of the talent show in December.

However, this is despite the 27-year-old star's fellow judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Dannii Minogue remaining in close contact with their respective acts, boyband One Direction, Irish diva Mary Byrne and winner Matt Cardle.

Mary explained: "Matt has heard from Dannii, I'm sure the boys have been in touch with Simon, but I know Cheryl hasn't been in touch with any of the girls."

In spite of her lack of contact with her mentor, 17-year-old Cher Lloyd - who will launch her rap career in the UK and Stateside later this year - has "calmed down" from her former bratty attitude that caused divides with many of her fellow 'X Factor' acts while the series was taking place.

Mary added to Ireland's 'RTE Ten': "Cher's a completely different girl - she's looking after herself now. She's calmed down an awful lot. She still has her moments, but she's a young kid. She wants to reach for the stars, she wants it all."

Meanwhile, plans for this year's series of 'The X Factor' have been thrown into turmoil after bosses realised just yesterday (23.02.11) that the London leg of the auditions will clash with the upcoming royal wedding on April 29.

With staff walkie-talkies not working and air space closed as part of an anti-terror measure, Prince William and Kate Middleton will be tying the knot just five miles away from London's 02 Arena - where the auditions are to be held - meaning producers may have to reassess their plans altogether.