Cheryl Cole could be TV legend Cilla Black!

POP mogul and X Factor judge Louis Walsh has backed Cheryl Cole to become "the new Cilla Black".

Boyzone and Westlife manager Louis, 55, reckons the Girls Aloud star - who replaced ex-judge Sharon Osbourne on the hit show last month - has the star talent to become a household name.

And he said cheating footie star Ashley Cole's wife, 25, could become as loved as Scouse Blind Date legend Cilla.

Louis told the News of the World: "Since seeing Cheryl in action, I now know she was the right choice from all of Girls Aloud for the role. She's doing amazingly well in auditions.

"She's opinionated, good-looking, great TV and she can sing.. And Simon [Cowell] loves her.

"Of course I'll miss Sharon - she was a mate - but I think Cheryl will match her for entertainment value.

"Cheryl's a natural. She's got all the star quality and charisma to become the new Cilla Black."

Tough-talking Geordie Cheryl will sit alongside show boss Simon Cowell, Louis and Dannii Minogue on the fifth series, which will begin in the autumn.

And the boyband manager reckons it will be the BIGGEST series yet.

Louis added: "The next series of X Factor will be bigger and better than the last four.

"Bringing Cheryl on board will give the show a new lease of life and energy.

"You can expect as many fireworks as before and with Cheryl on board, it will be a major hit."