Simon Cowell is keen for Paula Abdul and the UK's very own Cheryl Cole to join him as judges on the U.S version of X Factor. 

He gave an exclusive interview to Deadline.com's Nikki Finke, April 24, in which he explained that the 'Promise This' singer is in talks to appear on the show and that he "always wanted Paula":

"I missed her (Paula) the second she left the show. Always loved working with her even though she can be a pain...We've agreed that we would meet as many people as possible, and now we're reaching the deadline we've got to make the decision soon. But I think she's got a really good shot." 

Cowell, who it was recently revealed won't be such a prominent figure in the forthcoming UK series, opened up about his relationship with, and expectations of, Cole and added:

"She's just got a great ability to communicate. Shes a great judge. She's smart. It's just a hunch. If people take to her like the British public did, I think she's going to do really well in America."

Watch Cowell and Abdul talk about working with each other here: