Cole tipped to join Cowell on US X Factor

Cheryl Cole is rumoured to be lined up to accompany Simon Cowell on the judging panel of the US version of 'The X Factor'.

Cowell announced yesterday that he was quitting 'American Idol' to concentrate on producing the US version of the hit singing competition in a €111m deal.

Announcing his plans at a TV Critics Association event in Pasadena, California, he said: "I'm thrilled and excited about this. 'X Factor' will launch in 2011, with me judging and producing the show."

The 50-year-old star - who revealed he'd been "offered a lot of money" to stay on 'American Idol', the most watched show in the US for the eight years – is now looking for "the American Susan Boyle”.

A TV insider said: “The US show will just take the British 'X Factor' formula and give it a few tweaks. We can expect it to be even glitzier than the British version. And the auditions should be a scream! Every singer in the US will want to be part of this show.”

Paula Abdul, who quit as an ‘American Idol’ judge last year, is also rumoured to be joining the new ‘X Factor’.

Louis Walsh – who stars on the British version of 'X Factor' – is convinced Simon's new venture will be a roaring success.

He said: "I am sure it will be massive. He knows TV better than anyone else and he has an instinct for what people want to watch. I am sure it will be a big hit."