June 11, 2008 18:05

Girls Aloud's Cheryl Cole announced as new 'X Factor' judge

Singer will replace Sharon Osbourne

Cheryl Cole from Girls Aloud has been announced as a new judge on ITV's 'X Factor' talent show.

The singer will replace Sharon Osbourne, who quit being a judge on the show recently, and will join the panel of existing judges including Dannii Minogue, Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh.

Cole, who got picked to be part of Girls Aloud after taking place in ITV's 'Popstars: The Rivals' in 2002, will judge alongside her former manager Louis Walsh.

In a statement released on Xfactor.tv Cole said: "I'm so excited to be part of such a great show and although it's scary joining a huge programme like 'X Factor', it's a massive honour to be following in the footsteps of Sharon Osbourne."

She added: "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. So whilst we get started on the next album, it will be brilliant to be a judge on the 'X Factor'."