X Factor: Sharon Osbourne out, Cheryl Cole in

X Factor: Sharon Osbourne out, Cheryl Cole in X-Factor fans, it's official, Cheryl Cole will replace Sharon Osbourne as the new judge on the show's panel. The official website of "X Factor" was quick to confirm the rumours, saying Cheryl Cole will join Simon Cowell, Dannii Minogue, and Louis Walsh on the judges' panel when the series returns to ITV 1 later this year. In fact, her new job already started this week - she was spotted en route to X-Factor auditions at the Birmingham's International Convention Centre (photo).

"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. So whilst we get started on the next album, it will be brilliant to be a judge on The X Factor," Cheryl Cole was quoted. According to rumours in the British tabloids - The Girls Aloud singer signed a £500,000 deal to replace outgoing judge Sharon Osbourne.

Of course, it's too early to start betting on the next X Factor winner, but this doesn't mean the bookmakers have forgotten about the show. As soon as Sharon Osbourne quit the X factor to be replaced by Cole, the British bookmaker Paddy Power (new window) posted odds on who's next judge to go (quit or be sacked). Louis Walsh is the favourite with Paddy, listed with odds 2/1, followed by Danni Minogue at 8/1 and Simon Cowell as underdog at 50/1.

Published on 06/24/2008