The Girls Aloud star, 26, is taking part in her second year on the Xfactor – after winning with Alexandre Burke in 2008.

But she admits she has found changes to the format, with a new live audience at auditions, hard to cope with.

Cheryl said: “I’d just found my feet and then they change the format. But I’ve really enjoyed the new process and I’m more experienced as a judge – and in saying ‘No’.

“I struggled last year in saying no to people. This year, I’m more able to say no to people that don’t have what we’re looking for.”

Cheryl is thought to have been given the male 16-24 category this year and is confident she can win again.

Meanwhile, Simon Cowell said his decision to bring in a live audience to all auditions stages “is a bigger challenge”.

The X Factor is on Saturday on ITV1 at 7pm.