Cheryl Cole leaves intensive care after malaria treatment

Singer Cheryl Cole has left the intensive care unit where she was being treated for malaria and has been transferred to a private clinic.

The 27-year-old was admitted to hospital on Monday after collapsing at a photoshoot.

She was later diagnosed with malaria, which it is thought she contracted during a recent holiday to Tanzania.

She has pulled out of all current work commitments, including her high-profile judging role on The X Factor.

Cole was being treated at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, based at University College Hospital London.

The Sun reported that Cole was originally thought to have a severe case of gastroenteritis, but later took a turn for the worse and was taken to hospital.

Cole went on the trip to Africa with friend and dancer Derek Hough during a break from recording her second album.

She had been taking anti-malaria tablets but was still struck down with the disease, which is contracted through mosquito bites.

The X Factor auditions in Manchester are still being held on Friday with a judging panel of Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger, who is standing in for Dannii Minogue - who gave birth to a son this week.

A statement issued on Cole's behalf said: "Cheryl Cole today came out of intensive care and has left UCLH.

"She has now been transferred to a private clinic where she will remain for her recovery."