Cheryl Fernandez-Versini has confirmed she has quit her role as a judge on The X Factor.

She issued a statement after reports claimed she had informed Simon Cowell of her decision not to take part in the new series over dinner in Hollywood last week.

The ex-Girls Aloud singer, who is currently making an album in Los Angeles, said she wants to concentrate on her music career.

Show boss Cowell issued his own statement supporting her decision.

Cowell had sacked Cheryl from the US version of The X Factor in 2011 before she returned to the UK version in 2014.

She had originally joined the talent show in 2008 and two of her acts went on to win the show - Alexandra Burke and Joe McElderry - before she left in 2010.

The 32-year-old's second departure continues the shake-up of the hit talent show's presenting and judging line-up, which is returning to its origins for the new series.

Dermot O'Leary is back to present after the departures of Olly Murs and Caroline Flack.

Louis Walsh is expected to replace the outgoing Nick Grimshaw on the judging panel, while Sharon Osbourne is reportedly in talks to return.