Cheryl Cole will be a judge on the first series of X Factor USA, Simon Cowell has announced.

The Girls Aloud star, who currently judges the programme in the US, will join previously announced panellist LA Reid.

Paula Abdul, who previously worked with Cowell on American Idol, will complete the panel of judges.

Cole's participation has been the subject of huge speculation in recent weeks and was confirmed by Cowell during an interview with Deadline.

He said: "She's just got a great ability to communicate. She's a great judge. She's smart. It's just a hunch.

"If people take to her like the British public did, I think she's going to do really well in America. And Fox was desperate to hire her."

It is understood that Cole will be announced as a judge in the next week, while Abdul is still in contract negotiations.

The American edition of the The X Factor is due to launch in August.

(by Jason Gregory)