Cheryl Cole has the X Factor

Cheryl Cole has been confirmed as Sharon Osbourne's replacement as a judge on The X Factor.The Girls Aloud star had been tipped as favourite to join Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Dannii Minogue on the judging panel since Sharon's exit last week.Cheryl, 24, who was catapulted to fame on reality TV show Popstars: The Rivals, said it was "scary" to be joining the ITV1 show.She added: "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."Sharon, who announced she was quitting on Friday, has denied she walked out because TV bosses would not meet her pay demands and over conflict with Dannii.She had backed Cheryl as her favourite to take over her role.

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ITN | June 11, 2008