Singer Cheryl Cole has left the intensive care unit where she was being treated for malaria and has been transferred to a private clinic.

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Cole had recently returned from a holiday in Africa

Q&A: What is malaria? Profile: Cheryl Cole ‘Anti-malarial pills didn’t stop me getting the disease’

The 27-year-old was admitted to hospital on Monday after collapsing at a photoshoot.

She was later diagnosed with malaria, which it is thought she contracted during a recent holiday to Tanzania.

She has pulled out of all current work commitments, including her high-profile judging role on The X Factor.

Cole was being treated at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, based at University College Hospital London.

The Sun reported that Cole was originally thought to have a severe case of gastroenteritis, but later took a turn for the worse and was taken to hospital.

Cole went on the trip to Africa with friend and dancer Derek Hough during a break from recording her second album.

She had been taking anti-malaria tablets but was still struck down with the disease, which is contracted through mosquito bites.

The X Factor auditions in Manchester are still being held on Friday with a judging panel of Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger, who is standing in for Dannii Minogue – who gave birth to a son this week.

A statement issued on Cole's behalf said: "Cheryl Cole today came out of intensive care and has left UCLH.

"She has now been transferred to a private clinic where she will remain for her recovery."