Cheryl Cole to judge US X Factor show

Cheryl Cole shot to fame as a singer in Girls Aloud

Pop star Cheryl Cole has landed a job on the judging panel of the US version of The X Factor, Simon Cowell has confirmed.

The 27-year-old Girls Aloud star, who has worked on the past three series of the UK show, is expected to start filming on Friday.

"I'm so excited to be taking part in the American version of The X Factor," Cole said in a statement.

It is not clear whether she will have a role in the UK version of the show.

Cole will join Cowell and former record boss Antonio LA Reid on the US panel.

"I'm thrilled for Cheryl," said Cowell. "She is massively excited about this show and has been fantastic to work with.

"She is also a complete brat. Most importantly, this girl can spot talent."

Cole has revelled in beating Cowell in two series of the UK version of her show, with two of the acts she had mentored - Alexandra Burke and Joe McElderry - being crowned winners.

The star said she cannot wait to continue her winning streak in America.

"I just can't decide whether I am more excited to find and nurture the talent, or for the unbelievable amount of amusement and entertainment I will have watching Simon doing everything and anything he can to beat me.

"He's tried to beat me for three years in the UK and hasn't even come close. His ego must be so bruised. America is gonna love this."

Low profile

Speculation has been rife over the last few months as to whom would appear on the US X Factor show.

Cole's relatively low profile in America had seemed to rule her out of contention in some pundits' eyes.

It is not yet known whether the singer will play a part in the UK version of the show when it begins later this year.

Last month ITV announced Cowell would not be involved in the audition process but may appear in later editions of the British programme.

The X Factor looks for undiscovered talent from the age of 12 or over, who will be given the chance to win a $5 million (£3m) recording contract.

Cole, who divorced football player husband Ashley last year, shot to fame in 2002 when she won a place in Girls Aloud in ITV talent show Popstars: The Rivals.