Joe McElderry won the sixth series of The X Factor back in 2009 when he was mentored by Cheryl Cole.
Now Cheryl is back with Simon Cowell after a three year break and Joe says they are just what the show needed.
Joe McElderry and Cheryl Cole
“It’s great to see her back, she’s a brilliant judge,” Joe told HELLO! Online, adding: “I think the show needs her and Simon. It needed them to come back.
”Cheryl confirmed her return to the show on Tuesday 11th March with a jokey Twitter photo showing her throttling Simon and the caption “GUESS WHAT!!.. I'm baaaacccckkkkk!!!! #iMayActuallyRingHisNeck #XFactor2014 #leggooo.”
Cheryl and Simon confirm her return on Twitter
Earlier in February, she had previously teased fans with a Throwback Thursday picture of her and Simon in The X Factor studio.
When asked what Cheryl brings to the show Joe says he believes it’s her ability to relate to the public and that she came from a reality show herself.
“Being from a show like that, she’s worked her way up and people can relate and she’s a nice girl.“
And she’s stunning – it all helps!”Joe also had a special message for Simon, who recently became a father for the first time.
“I think it’s really nice that he’s had a child and I wish him congratulations and luck. It’s a special time for him.”
Joe is currently on a 60-date UK tour. Buy tickets from his official website.