Friday, 15 August 2008

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Cheryl Cole: Simon Cowell helped me regain my confidence

Girls Aloud singer says she's thrilled to join the judges on The X Factor

Cheryl Cole raised to fame on Popstars: The Rivals, when Louis Walsh picked her to be in Girls Aloud

Cheryl Cole reckons signing up for The X Factor has capped off her year – despite the heartache she suffered after footballer husband Ashley cheated on her.

The Girls Aloud star has credited Simon Cowell, 48, with helping her bounce back by selecting her to join the judging panel on the hit show.

'In a weird way I've had a fantastic year,’ she tells the Daily Mail. ‘Girls Aloud did a sell out tour, then I roll on to this.

‘It's probably one of the best years I have had, ironically. The fact Simon respects my opinion has given me confidence and made me feel better.'

Cheryl, 25, replaced Sharon Osbourne, 55, on the show after she quit over a pay row.

The X Factor starts tomorrow on ITV1 at 7.30pm.