Cheryl Fernandez-Versini's 'X Factor' Exit Causes Widespread Twitter Upset

'In years to come people will know where they were and what they were doing.'

'X Factor' fans woke up some devastating news on Tuesday (5 April), after Cheryl Fernandez-Versini announced she was quitting the ITV talent show

The former Girls Aloud star revealed that she would be leaving after a two series comeback, in order to focus on her music career.

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Naturally, the news caused rather a stir on Twitter, and some were so distraught at losing the Geordie judge from the show that we're surprised they saw through their tears to type: 

Others were more skeptical about what the news really meant:

Hardcore Cheryl fans saw a silver lining to her announcement:

But the thought of new music didn't exactly thrill everyone...

Announcing her departure in a statement, Cheryl said: “I have had such an amazing experience being a judge on ‘The X Factor’. I have learnt so much and enjoyed nurturing talent but I’ve missed making music and am excited to be recording again. 

“I want to thank everybody I have worked with along the way, especially Simon who I love to bits. 

“I hope the show continues to produce stars and I wish them all the best.”

It’s still unclear if Rita Ora will be back in her judge’s seat, but former judges Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne are both rumoured to be returning to the show in a bid to attract an older audience.