CONFIRMED: Cheryl Fernandez-Versini quits The X Factor to focus on solo career

The former Girls Aloud singer won't appear in the next series of the ITV talent competition
Stepped down? Cheryl Fernandez-Versini has 'quit' The X Factor
Rex
Jennifer Ruby5 April 2016

Cheryl Fernandez-Versini has confirmed she is stepping down from her role on The X Factor.

The former Girls Aloud star, who has been a judge on the show for the last two years, is quitting the singing competition to focus on her solo career.

Speaking to the MailOnline, Cheryl confirmed her departure and said she is 'excited' to return to pop stardom.

"I have had such an amazing experience being a judge on The X Factor," she said. "I have learnt so much and enjoyed nurturing talent but I’ve missed making music and am excited to be recording again.

All over: Simon Cowell will have to find a replacement for Cheryl
Rex

"I want to thank everybody I have worked with along the way, especially Simon who I love to bits. I hope the show continues to produce stars and I wish them all the best."

It seems Cheryl's choice to leave hasn't upset boss Simon Cowell, who said that he will be working with her in the near future.

X Factor Judges 2015

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"Cheryl and myself spoke about this," Cowell said. "I totally understand her commitment to making more records.

"She has been amazing on the show and in the near future we will be working on other things together."

The pop star, who is currently dating One Direction’s Liam Payne following her split from husband Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini last year, is currently working on her new album.

The singer’s decision comes just a few weeks after Nick Grimshaw ruled himself out from retrurning for a second series.

He said of his decision: “I love going to work and I like to be busy. But doing X Factor and the radio was work all the time.”

Fernandez-Versini first appeared on The X Factor back in 2008 for three years, before a failed attempt to move to the US version.

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