Sharon: It has to be Cheryl on factor

Sharon Osbourne today revealed that she wants Cheryl Cole to replace her on X Factor.

She said she is backing the Girls Aloud singer over Mel B, who is also being considered as a judge on the ITV show.

Osbourne, 55, who walked out last week days before the start of the new series, said: "I think they're asking Cheryl from Girls Aloud, and Mel B. It will be interesting, it will take it to a different place. It will probably be even better, if that's possible. I want Cheryl to replace me, I love her."

London Lite was the first to reveal tensions in the X Factor camp as Osbourne and her fellow judge

Louis Walsh clashed with Simon Cowell's plans to change the format .

The pair demanded more money after learning they may be asked to appear on a Sunday show as well as the live Saturday final.

But Osbourne today said her departure was not about the money, denying that ITV bosses refused her demand of a £1m pay rise. Speaking to Chris Moyles's Radio 1 show, she said:

"It's not true. Actually, we were negotiating and they offered me an obscene amount of money. It was just I had to walk away when I did, it was just time.

" I love the show, it was the best four years of my life."