Cheryl Cole 'Collapses From Exhaustion'

Chez has been forced to cancel all work commitments for the next week...

Cheryl Cole has been advised by medics to pull out of the X Factor after collapsing at a photo shoot over the weekend.

The Girls Aloud singer, who has just turned 27, fainted a studio in North London on Saturday where a doctor diagnosed her with 'severe exhaustion' and ordered her to rest completely.

Chezza's manager told X Factor bosses last night that the 3 Words singer would be absent from filming the new series until further notice despite claims Cheryl 'ignored' pleas to cut back on her schedule.

SEE CHERYL COLE'S SOLO JOURNEY IN PICTURES HERE  

The gorgeous Geordie collapsed during the shoot and was unconscious in a 'sweaty heap' just moments into the shoot.

Studio staff working with Cheryl on the day have claimed that they were stunned when Cole arrived looking 'washed-out' and 'gaunt.'

Chez is said to have refused to have postponed the photo shoot, insisting she would be fine despite having a high temperature and nausea.

She was diagnosed with severe exhaustion at the scene by a doctor - who later ordered her complete rest from work and test later showed Cheryl was suffering from a vicious gastroenteritis bug. 

A friend of the X Factor judge told The Sun: "She should never have gone to the studio. She insisted she was fine, even though she clearly wasn't. Her skin was pale and her lips had no colour. She's rundown and tired. That's why she ended up with the stomach virus."

"She told the photographer she'd be all right if she got her make-up on. But once she was under the lights it was clear she wasn't well. She was really sweating and the make-up staff had a job on their hands."

"Eventually she just keeled over. It was horrible. She was only out for a few seconds but it was enough to give everyone, including Cheryl, a massive scare."

They continued: "She was carried to a dark room and lay down on a sofa until the doctor arrived. She was sent home to rest and the shoot was postponed indefinitely. It was a real shock to see her looking so ill. She looks terrible."

SEE GORGEOUS PICTURES OF CHERYL COLE IN OUR GALLERY HERE!  

Cheryl's collapse is said to have been blamed on her hectic work schedule after she 'threw herself' into her career since splitting with cheating footballer Ashley Cole.

Chezza's pal added: ""Since splitting with Ashley, Cheryl has been throwing herself into work. She has been completely dedicated to X Factor, her album, recording sessions and touring - to an extent that it has started to affect her health."

"Cheryl has been putting on a brave face, joking about hangovers. The truth is, she's simply working far too hard."

The friend explained: "There's only so long someone can do 18 hours every day without burning out. She has worked relentlessly for the past 18 months. Something had to give."

Cheryl's people, Supersonic PR have since issued a statement on Twitter claiming: "Following doctor's advice Cheryl Cole will be cancelling all work commitments for the next week. No further comment."

The exhausted singer is now expected to take a minimum of a week's rest before gradually returning to work.

Watch MTV News on the hour every hour on MTV - Sky Channel 126 and Virgin Channel 311