It’s been announced that Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger will stand-in for Cheryl Cole during the Boot Camp stage of the show next week.

She’ll help Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh to choose 24 hopefuls to continue with the competition after Boot Camp.

A show insider told The Sun, “There was no way Cheryl was going to be able to do Boot Camp, despite being on the mend.

“Nicole was great in Manchester and Simon really likes her.

“She knows Wembley will be a tougher gig, but she’s proved she’s feisty and entertaining.”

It’s expected however that Cheryl will be well enough to take part in the Judges’ Houses round at the end of August.

A source close to Cheryl told the paper that Cheryl’s improving and is “fattening” up on meals cooked for her by mum Joan.

The insider said, “She’s been asking for hotdogs and onions. Her mum has a saying: ‘Whatever Cheryl asks for, Cheryl gets’.”

“She’s weak and has lost weight, and she’s still going hot and cold. But she is definitely on the mend.

“She isn’t bed-bound any more. She’s been watching daytime TV on the sofa.”