Cheryl Fernandez-Versini quits The X Factor to focus on music career

The 32-year-old X Factor judge is quitting the show. She said in a statement: “I have had such an amazing experience being a judge on the X Factor.
“I have learnt so much and enjoyed nurturing talent but I’ve missed making music and am excited to be recording again.
“I want to thank everybody I have worked with along the way, especially Simon, who I love to bits. I hope the show continues to produce stars and I wish them all the best.”
The former Girls Aloud singer joined the talent show in 2008 and two of her acts went on to win the show – Alexandra Burke and Joe McElderry. Fernandez-Versini left the judging lineup in 2010 before returning again in 2014. The show’s boss, Simon Cowell, said: “Cheryl and myself spoke about this. I totally understand her commitment to making more records. She has been amazing on the show, and in the near future we will be working on other things together.”
An X Factor spokesman said: “Cheryl has been a great judge and mentor during her time on the X Factor, from her early years of winning with two of her acts – Alexandra Burke and Joe McElderry – through to last year’s series where she took Reggie N Bollie into the final.
“We’d like to thank Cheryl for her contribution to the show and wish her all the best with her return to music.”