Hot Celebrity Gossip: Nicole Scherzinger is a hit as Cheryl Cole's replacement on US X Factor

The new judge has a great first day

Nicole Scherzinger | Celebrity Gossip | Pictures | Photos | Gallery

Nicole Scherzinger was originally contracted as co-host with Steve Jones

Nicole Scherzinger has settled in straight away in as Cheryl Cole's replacement on US X Factor.

The Pussycat Doll took over from Cheryl this week, arriving at the New Jersey auditions to a warm welcome.

'After finishing my vry 1st day on the new job, every1 has bn amazing!
Thanku NJ 4 welcoming me. I'm truly grateful & excited 2 B judging
X,' Nicole, 32, Tweeted yesterday.� �

She then posted a photo of herself cuddling up to fellow judge Paula Abdul.

'A dream come true!' she captioned the shot. 'I was & always will B her biggest fan! I cnt believe I get 2 work w/Paula. X Factor day 1!'

Simon Cowell is delighted Nicole and 80s popstar Paula, 48, have struck up an immediate friendship.

'Nicole seems more at home with Paula and other judge LA Reid and she isn't slow in coming forward with her opinions,' a source tells the Daily Mirror.

'Nicole and Paula seem to get on well and they are not fighting for�Simon Cowell's attention in the way Paula and Cheryl were.'