Cole: 'X Factor' stars more savvy

Cheryl Cole has said that she thinks this year's X Factor finalists are more savvy than she was when she began her career.

The singer shot to fame after joining Girls Aloud on reality contest Pop Stars: The Rivals, but thinks those taking part in similar shows today are more clued up.

"We didn’t know anything when we started out," she told The Mirror.

"The beauty of The X Factor is that the contestants have all watched it for years now. They know far more about what they're getting into than we ever did."

Cole added that she has been trying to use her experience in the music industry to help her acts as much as possible.

"I sit down and give them all the advice I can. There might be negative stories that come out and you’ve got to be prepared," she said.