Cheryl has decided she will not be returning as a judge for the next series of The X Factor

Cheryl joined The X Factor in 2008. During her time on the show, she mentored two singers to victory - Alexandra Burke in 2008 and Joe McElderry in 2009. She left the show in 2010 before rejoining in 2014.

Cheryl met with Simon Cowell recently to inform him of her decision. She said: “I have had such an amazing experience being a judge on The X Factor. I have learnt so much and enjoyed nurturing talent but I’ve missed making music and am excited to be recording again. 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.”

Simon Cowell said: "Cheryl and myself spoke about this. 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.”

Cheryl has enjoyed her involvement with the hit show but has decided to focus on her music career. She has started work on a new album which will be released later this year. This will follow her successful albums; 3 Words, Messy Little Raindrops, A Million Lights and Only Human. She remains the first female British solo artist to have had five number one singles.