Cheryl Cole has pulled out of next month's V Festival to continue her battle against malaria.

The 27-year-old singer was diagnosed with the disease last week and is currently being treated in a private clinic.

Her spokeswoman said Cole would also miss the boot camp stage of The X Factor.

"Cheryl Cole is making good progress but following medical advice she will not be able to take part in X Factor's boot camp stage or perform at V," her spokeswoman said.

Cole is believed to have contracted the disease on a break in Africa last month, despite taking malaria tablets.

Organisers of V Festival had been optimistic that the singer would be able to take part in the festival, which takes in Staffordshire and Chelmsford on August 21 and 22.

(by Jason Gregory)