Simon Cowell has admitted that Cheryl Cole’s malaria caused ‘chaos’ for the X Factor.

He told the show’s official mag: “Everyone was talking to each other and the schedule was sent into chaos. For that one moment though, when you get the call, you're not thinking about the show at that point.

"But look, this is real life. People get sick, but unfortunately she got very sick and you've got to deal with it.”

The X judge continued: “This is what making reality TV shows is all about. You have to deal with reality. While we were all very concerned about Cheryl's health, we also had a duty to continue to make the show as well.

"It wasn't a case of cancelling or not cancelling the show. That wasn't something that crossed my mind. There were two separate issues - her health and making the show."

And Cowell revealed more about Chezza’s thoughts on the illness- which she caught in Africa- and added that she’s now feeling much better.

He explained “Cheryl told me it was like coming out of a nightmare.