Simon Cowell has admitted that Cheryl Cole’s turbulent year, has helped her gain perspective and a better outlook on life.

The X Factor judge made the revelations in an interview conducted just before Cheryl’s divorce from Ashley Cole was finalised yesterday and promised fans that they will see a different Ms Cole on this year’s live shows.

He told The Sun:

“My feeling when I spoke to her recently was that she was feeling in a better place mentally.

“No one wants to go through malaria, but she has definitely come out with a different perspective and I think you will see a sharp, focused Cheryl Cole when she returns to X Factor.

“She seems more focused and it was a wake-up call to her. At the end of the day your health is the most important thing.”

Simon went on to praise his protégée, saying that he doesn’t know how she coped with the trauma in her personal life, coupled with her recent health crisis. He said:

“We have spoken a lot, and now she has got a sense of perspective on life.

“In a weird way this has helped manage her life better. I think she is going to appreciate what she has and enjoy it more.

“I am not even putting the personal stuff into this as well. You have to deal with that and I don’t know how she coped with that to be honest.”