Updated: Cole 'wanted Walsh instead of Scherzinger'

Cheryl Cole reportedly wanted her Girls Aloud bandmate Kimberley Walsh to sit in for her on The X Factor during her recent absence with malaria.

According to Heat, the singer is concerned that her Boot Camp replacement Nicole Scherzinger could permanently take her place on the reality talent contest.

A source told the magazine of Cole: "She wanted to help her close friend get more airtime and thought she'd be a perfect stand-in.

"She also knew Kimberley would keep her seat warm until she was better. Now, she's terrified Nicole will replace her permanently."

Cole is said to be so concerned about losing her position on the judging panel that she is determined to return to the show as soon as possible.

"They're trying to get her to calm down and get better - they don't want her to rush back to work, in case it makes her worse," another source claimed.

Scherzinger's friendship with her former Dancing With The Stars partner Derek Hough is also said to be causing concern for Cole, who is rumoured to be jealous of their relationship.

"Nicole's still very much a part of Derek's life, but it's tough for Cheryl," an insider said. "She's keen to get better and get back to work, and wants her territory back."

However, Cole's representatives SupersonicPR wrote on Twitter of the reports: "All crap... So boring and so predictable."