Friday, 18 December 2009

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Cheryl Cole’s on the brink

‘She’s just so exhausted,’ say insiders

Cheryl Cole mentored X Factor winner Joe McElderry

As the rest of the X Factor judges take a well-earned rest, there will be no break for Cheryl Cole.

She goes straight from her punishing TV schedule into launching her US career, as well as hosting an ITV show and continuing her solo efforts. And the pressure is starting to show.

The first of Cheryl's fellow judges to break ranks and talk about her schedule was Louis Walsh who said: ‘Cheryl has taken on a hell of a lot of work and we're all 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 she is filming her own show for ITV, so she has a lot on.'

While she had a reputation for breaking down in tears during her first series of The X Factor, show insiders say it's actually happened more this year.

‘The judges were often hugging Cheryl, making sure she was OK,' says one source. ‘She's exhausted a lot of the time and never far from bursting out crying.'

Adding to the pressure has been Cheryl's battle with Dannii Minogue for the title of X Factor style queen.

Most commentators put Dannii in pole position, while Cheryl, 26, has been criticised for her often bizarre outfits and unadventurous hair as a result of her L'Oréal contract.

‘From the moment I step outside my door - even if it's just to go to the supermarket - I'm working,' Cheryl's said. ‘Looking good and not being caught out can be very consuming.'

Beth_McLoughlin@ipcmedia.com

See the full story about Cheryl Cole in Now magazine dated 28 December 2009 - out now!

FASHION GALLERY SPECIAL Cheryl Cole's fashion history - the highs and the lows>> 

NEW PHOTOS Cheryl Cole vs Dannii Minogue - who's the most stylish?>>

SEE PICTURES Cheryl and Ashley Cole: The story so far>>

PICTURE GALLERY: Cheryl Cole - from cornrows to curls>>

Don't miss The X Factor live tour, click here to book your tickets now!>>