Dixon: 'Cheryl is most qualified judge'

Alesha Dixon has heaped praise on X Factor judge Cheryl Cole.

The singer admitted that she thinks Cole is "the most qualified judge" because she is still in a successful group.

"Cheryl is the best thing to happen to The X Factor, apart from Simon Cowell, who I love," she told Orange.

"She knows what it's like more than anyone - she's the most qualified judge I think."

The former Mis-teeq singer also claimed that she shares Cole's emotional streak.

"Every time Cheryl has cried, I've been crying too. That's the thing about X Factor, they're really smart," she said.

"They've got all these amazing stories to tell and they mirror that with this really emotional music. If they took out the music, I reckon I'd be able to handle it, but when they add it, it gets you."

The star added that she thinks Girls Aloud are "the nuts".

Dixon released new album The Alesha Show last month.