Simon Cowell: 'Cheryl Cole's on the mend'

Simon Cowell has been in touch with Cheryl Cole and she is "perky and on the mend".

The pop star is still being treated in a private hospital after contracting malaria.

She has been forced to cancel all upcoming work commitments including the V Festival and The X Factor. She will be absent from the show until at least after the boot camp stage.

But according to Cowell she is feeling better and keen to get back to work, although he added they will have to have a conversation about when that will be.

Meanwhile if producers are still looking for someone to fill in for Cheryl on the panel, Katie Price has offered her services.

"Simon knows where I am," she said.