X Factor judge Louis Walsh has expressed concern for his colleague Cheryl Cole and fears that her heavy workload could push her into meltdown.

Louis told The People newspaper that he worries that Cheryl has bitten off more than she can chew with her X Factor role, music career and potential move to America. He said:

“Cheryl has taken on a hell of a lot of work – and we are all very, very worried about her. She is doing this show, which she takes extremely seriously. On top of that she has her own music stuff going on.

“Cheryl is going to America shortly too, and next week she is filming her own show for ITV.

“So she has a lot on. She’s put loads of effort into launching her solo pop career too.”

Louis also dismissed rumours that Cheryl’s marriage to Ashley Cole is in tatters and says that he finds them affectionate and loving with one another.

“People keep going on about that, but I can vouch for the fact that it is not. Ashley has been to the show on numerous occasions and he is a great source of support for her.

“When I’ve seen them together they look absolutely fine and in love.

“Cheryl just wants to make a success of everything she does. Some may say she’s a workaholic.

He added:

“We see a lot of Cheryl so we see when she is down. She is exhausted so we have all tried to be there for her, we try to make her happy.

“We have all put our arms around her and been there to support her. We might argue on-screen but backstage it’s different. I just hope she stops and takes a break once the show is finished. She definitely cannot do all the work she has got on next year. It’s not good for her.”