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Louis Walsh has claimed that Cheryl Cole was the perfect choice to replace Sharon Osbourne on the X Factor judging panel.
The Girls Aloud star was snapped up by producers in June after Sharon Osbourne decided to quit the ITV1 talent series.
Walsh, who helped to discover Cole on Popstars: The Rivals in 2002, confirmed that he is thrilled to be working alongside the singer.
"It's amazing how far she has come in six years and it's like she's completing the cycle, coming from a reality show, having a hugely successful career and now she's judging future stars," Walsh explained. "The great thing about Cheryl is that she knows exactly what the contestants are going through because she has been there and done it so can offer them all really good advice, and empathise with how they feel."
Walsh added that he has particularly enjoyed this year's auditions because Cole has brought a new vibe to the show.
"I just love all the banter we have on the judging panel," he continued. "Simon and I are the two old blokes who like a particular style of music, then you have Dannii and Cheryl who obviously have completely different music tastes so it makes for an interesting day as we are always bickering over acts and who we all prefer, not to mention all the fun we have in between filming."
The X Factor returns for its fifth series on Saturday at 7.30pm on ITV1.
