Cheryl Cole "wants to hug" Britney

Cheryl Cole has revealed that she "wants to hug" troubled star Britney Spears.

The singer claimed that she finds it "devastating" to see Spears going through such a tough time, after idolising the pop princess when she was younger.

"It's devastating to see Britney like this. It's so sad, she needs help," Cheryl told The Sun. "She's mentally ill."

"She's someone I idolised growing up and I wanted to be like her," Cole continued. "She was amazing and had the whole package. It's such a shame. I just want to hug her.

"I've said that she can come to my house and I'll look after her - but she's rejecting people. Denial, that's what that is. It looks like she's got post-natal depression that's got out of control."