Cheryl Cole rejoins her ‘frenemy’ on the judging panel

ITV have confirmed Cheryl Cole is returning to the X Factor judging panel alongside Simon Cowell.
 
The former Girls Aloud singer was previously on the panel in series five to series seven winning both years with Alexandra Burke and Joe McElderry. 
 
Speaking of her return Cheryl Cole said, “I’m very happy and excited to be returning to The X Factor. I’m inspired and ready to find new talent and potential pop stars. It’s going to be a fun series.”
 
Simon Cowell, who confirmed his return to the UK show last month, said, “I am so happy that Cheryl has agreed to join The X Factor again. The last time we worked together in the UK was incredible and produced some really successful artists. Obviously the plan is to do the same again… so it’s back to work!”
 
Richard Holloway, managing director Thames TV, said, “I’m delighted to welcome Cheryl back to the show. She has the unique experience of having started out on a show like this and she is also one of the only people who knows how to get the better of Simon. Having them both reunited on the panel will make for a great series this year.”

The series – which currently airs in 45 countries – is created by Simon Cowell’s company Syco Entertainment, ITV and Thames TV and has notched up more than 150 million records sales to date from its stars.
 
The new series of The X Factor returns to ITV in autumn this year and applications for the new series are open now. Open auditions will take place from April with the judges’ audition tour following later in summer.