Cheryl Cole has admitted that her last series on the UK X Factor was too much for her.

The Girls Aloud singer signed up to become a judge on the show in 2008 and left after three years in 2010.

She built a strong rapport with mogul Simon Cowell and was popular amongst the audience.

Speaking to InStyle, however, the British star admitted that it was one series too many for her. Cole said:

"The last X Factor series I did was too hard for me. I wasn't right in my mind enough to give it my everything and be focused. And I wasn't strong enough mentally."

In 2010, the 'Call My Name' star split from former husband Ashley Cole after cheating allegations, whilst she also suffered a serious bout of malaria following a trip abroad.