Nicole Scherzinger has officially been confirmed as the fourth judge on The X Factor UK.

The former Pussycat Doll replaces Kelly Rowland on the show and joins Gary Barlow, Louis Walsh and Tulisa Contostavlos on the panel.

"I'm so excited to join the UK X Factor family," Scherzinger said.

"It's where I got my start, so it feels great to come full circle. I can't wait to see what talent the UK has to offer and to help inspire and bring out the best in these artists."

Director of television at ITV Peter Fincham added: "Nicole will bring her wealth of experience, both as a solo artist, and as a member of a group, to this year's judging panel.

"We're delighted that she'll be joining us for the forthcoming series."

Chief executive of Syco Entertainment Charles Garland said: "We are delighted to welcome back Nicole to the UK X Factor.

"Nicole is a global star and proved to be extremely popular with viewers when she guest judged for the UK panel two years ago and it's great to have her on the team."

Managing director of Thames Richard Holloway added: "Nicole is an absolute star. She's sold millions of records worldwide and she's extremely well qualified as a judge.

"She was brilliant when she stood in as a guest judge two years ago and again this year. We can't wait to start working with her."

She starts in her new job on Monday, June 18, for the judges' auditions tour in Newcastle, and will be in Cardiff for the final date on June 25.

Scherzinger was previously a guest judge on The X Factor in 2010 and also appeared during the London auditions for this year's show.

The singer and dancer also replaced Cheryl Cole as a judge on The X Factor USA when the Girls Aloud singer was axed after filming just two auditions.

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