Cheryl out of X factor line-up

THE X Factor judging line-up was confirmed yesterday with pop mogul Louis Walsh being joined by Take That’s Gary Barlow, international star Kelly Rowland and Tulisa Contostavlos of urban hip-hop band N-Dubz.

There was no place for Cheryl Cole, who was axed from the American version of the show.

Former judge Simon Cowell said: “These four are totally up for it, each of them bring a different attitude.

“They have had a ton of hits between them and they are all committed to finding a star.

“I have a feeling Louis and Tulisa will have slightly different points of view as to what the next star should look and sound like.”

Walsh is the only remaining judge from last year’s show.

Cowell left to launch the American version and took Cole, the Geordie ex-Girls Aloud singer with him, though she was dumped recently. Dannii Minogue, 39, also left the line-up.

Barlow, Tulisa and Rowlands, of Destiny’s Child fame, are able replacements, said ITV’s director of television Peter Fincham.

Barlow said: “I’m extremely excited about working on The X Factor. I’ve always been a fan of the show and always enjoyed performing on it too.

“My one goal is to find a global superstar. If I don’t find one, I won’t have done my job.”

N-Dubz star Tulisa, 22, said she looked forward to bringing “something fresh” to the panel.

Kelly Rowland added that she was thrilled to be heading to one of her “favourite places in the world”.

The new panel begins its quest with the first audition in Birmingham tomorrow continuing to Glasgow, Manchester, Cardiff, London and Liverpool.

Walsh said: “I’m the last original judge standing and I’m determined to find an act that can win this year and show the others how it’s done.”