Cheryl joins the X Factor party

New X Factor judge Cheryl Cole wowed fans when she joined Simon Cowell in Birmingham for the first round of auditions for the hit TV show.

Hundreds of wannabees turned up at the city's ICC and were treated to a glimpse of the Girls Aloud singer who has replaced mouthy Sharon Osbourne.

The outspoken judge walked out on the show this week, leaving Dannii Minogue, Louis Walsh and Simon Cowell.

But Cheryl, who has been described as a "dream" to work with by Minogue, was back on familiar ground this week for auditions.

It is believed the Geordie judge, who found fame herself on reality show Popstars: The Rivals, was shedding a fair few tears at the number of singers doling out the usual sob stories which have become synonymous with the show. Looking thin and having returned from what many called a make-or-break trip to Spain with cheating hubby Ashley, the 24-year-old then enjoyed a meal with fellow judge and show mentor Cowell at trendy Hotel Du Vin.

One onlooker said: "She looked quite thin to be honest. I much preferred her a few years ago when she was curvy."

The X Factor is set to hit our screens in the summer but even though the fifth series has yet to hit our screens, drama has been unfolding behind the scenes.