Cheryl Cole is the new X Factor judge

Cheryl Cole is the new judge in this year's X Factor.

Cheryl takes over from Sharon Osbourne. Cheryl originally found fame on a predecessor show to The X Factor, Popstars: The Rivals, where the then Cheryl Tweedy was selected in that show's gruelling auditions and was then selected by viewers as a member of Girls Aloud, which has since became a successful British group.

Louis Walsh was a member of the judging panel on Popstars: The Rivals along with Spice Girl Geri Halliwell and Pete Waterman.

Cheryl said: “I’m so excited to be part of such a great show and although it’s scary joining a huge programme like The X Factor. It’s a massive honour to be following in the footsteps of Sharon Osbourne.

"The rest of the girls have said they’re right behind me, which is really important for me as it will be weird to be on the other side of the fence this time."

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