After weeks of speculation and rumours, US X Factor bosses have officially confirmed that Nicole Scherzinger is replacing Cheryl Cole on the judging panel for the new show. 

The statement said: "Fox, Fremantelemedia North America and Syco TV today confirm Nicole Scherzinger will be replacing Cheryl Cole on the judging panel of The X Factor."

In regards to why Cole was dismissed from the show, Simon Cowell stated: 'We noticed she was quieter than normal. The feeling was that she was slightly out of her comfort zone in America."

This news comes just days after Simon Cowell's publicist Max Clifford said that Cowell was keen to get Cole back on the show, which First News reported yesterday.

US bosses now have to think of a way to use the footage from the first set of auditions, featuring Cole on the judging panel. Reports suggest that Cole will be described as a "guest judge" to viewers. 

Nicole Scherzinger was originally set to co-host the talent show with Welsh presenter Steve Jones. With Scherzinger's new appointment as a judge, Jones will present the show alone.