Cole condition 'worse than first thought'

Cheryl Cole's condition in hospital is worse than first thought, according to sources.

The 27-year-old, who is being treated for malaria in intensive care, is believed to be suffering headaches and fever as her condition shows "no signs of improvement".

She may now be forced to pull out of this year's X Factor and delay the release of her second album, which was due out in October.

A spokesman told The Sun: "It is a lot more serious than first thought. Everyone thought she would pull through after 24 hours but there have been no signs of improvement.

"She is very ill and will not be out of hospital for a while. Everyone is holding their breath.

"Because of her hectic schedule, the malaria has really taken a hold. She has not got the physical strength to beat it. She is going to need all of her Geordie grit to win this battle."

The 'Fight For This Love' singer, who is being treated in a specialist unit that deals with tropical diseases, is said to be under heavy medication.

A source said: "She is so tiny - the medication is hitting her hard.

"It isn't pretty. There are fears that because she is so delicate, permanent damage has been done to her liver."

Cole's mother Joan Callaghan, who is at her daughter's bedside along with dancer Derek Hough, is said to be "beside herself with worry".