IT'S OFFICIAL! Cheryl Cole will be US X Factor judge

Cheryl Cole's moving to the USA

Cheryl Cole's launching her career in the States

Cheryl Cole's wait is over - she's finally been confirmed as a judge on the US X Factor.

The Geordie singer will be leaving the UK version of the show to take up her seat next to Simon Cowell in America.

'I'm thrilled for Cheryl,' Simon, 51, announced in a statement today.

'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.'

The confirmation ends months of speculation and rumours that TV executives were reluctant to hire Cheryl because of her little-known status in America and her strong accent.

But Simon rather gave the game away last month when he revealed that TV bosses have actually been keen to nab Cheryl, 27, as a judge from the outset.

'Mike Darnell and Peter Rice will tell you they wanted her all the time,' he told Deadline.com.

'I showed a tape to Mike Darnell 2 years ago of a clip I'd shot in England of Cheryl and he said there and then, "I'd hire her now for [American] Idol."

'They absolutely fell in love with her...they were desperate for her.'

Cheryl's PR firm Supersonic Tweeted this afternoon: 'It's official. Cheryl Cole is confirmed as a judge on The US X Factor.'�

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Esme Riley

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