Just last week we found out that Sharon Osbourne was leaving the X Factor show, and yesterday Mrs O revealed that she was giving her backing to Girls Aloud singer, Cheryl Cole as her successor.

Today ITV announced that Cheryl has already accepted the job and will make her first appearance as she joins Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Dannii Minogue on Thursday at the London auditions at the Emirates Stadium.

Cheryl Cole 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. So whilst we get started on the next album, it will be brilliant to be a Judge on The X Factor.”

John Kaye Cooper, ITV’s Controller of Entertainment, said, “Cheryl is not only an amazingly successful, sassy and talented woman but through her winning Popstars: The Rivals has been through similar experiences to those hopefuls who want to take The X Factor crown. We’re delighted that she has joined the channel that discovered her and look forward to her becoming an important part of The X Factor team.”

Richard Holloway, Head of Entertainment at talkbackTHAMES said, “I’m delighted that one of Britain’s most successful recording artists of the last decade has joined Britain’s favourite entertainment show.”

So what do you think? Is Cheryl a good choice for judge, or should we have had a more seadoned professional, one more experienced in the management of quality musical acts?