Simon Cowell has reportedly laid down the law to Cheryl Cole.

Insisting that she needs to be in full health before returning to The X Factor, Simon is said to have told Cheryl to distance herself from Derek Hough and is working on finding her a lifestyle coach, who will help her deal with the year from hell.

Cheryl split from her husband Ashley earlier this year after he was revealed to have slept with at least five other women during their marriage. After committing herself to a hectic work schedule for months on end, Cheryl then contracted malaria during a trip to Tanzania and ended up hospitalised and seriously ill.

A source told Reveal magazine: “Simon has had serious words with Cheryl and gave her a list of things she needs to sort out.

“He’s demanded that she puts her love life on hold – he feels Derek is a distraction that she simply doesn’t need. Derek is always hanging around on set with her and Cheryl is constantly trying to keep him happy.”

The source added: “Simon wants Cheryl to accept more help, rather than try and battle on by herself.

“He told her everyone in the US has a lifestyle guru and that he will get someone to work with her.

“Cheryl hates the idea because she is a very private person, but Simon is insisting on it. He believes having someone with her is the only way to guarantee she will eat, sleep and talk about her problems.”