cheryl coleCheryl Cole’s new role as an X Factor judge has reportedly caused tensions with her Girls Aloud bandmates.

Last week it was revealed that Cheryl had signed a high six-figure deal to take over as Sharon Osbourne’s replacement on the show but a source has told Heat magazine that Nadine Coyle and Sarah Harding are both jealous of the appointment.

The source explained: “The other girls are very put out that Cheryl has landed the judging role.

“They knew she really wanted it, but some of them found the news hard to handle, especially Nadine. At the end of the day, all the girls are talented, but Nadine has got the best voice and as it’s a singing contest she should be the one for the job.”

As for Sarah, the source added that she’s worried Cheryl will hog the limelight: “Sarah and Cheryl both wanted to get into TV [after the band comes to an end], but it seems Cheryl is moving closer to that before her.

“Sarah booked a magazine deal with her boyfriend Tom [Crane] when Ashley and Cheryl were all over the press and now she’s really envious of Cheryl’s X Factor deal.

“It’s getting really competitive. Sarah always thought that she’d be the TV girl in the group, not Cheryl.”

Earlier this week, Sugababes star Keisha Buchanan also complained about Cheryl’s new role, saying she thought there were other more suitable - and more experienced - stars who could do a better job.