Nadine prays for fever stricken Cheryl

Nadine was informed of her friend's illness by followers on the social networking site Twitter.

Cole spent time in a specialist tropical diseases ward of University College London hospital in central London, but has since moved to a private clinic.

She is said to have contracted the illness following a trip to Tanzania with close friend Derek Hough and has pulled out of all work commitments, including the boot camp stage of the X Factor.

LA based Nadine told fans on the site she had witnessed first hand how serious the disease can be, saying that her grandfather had it.

She tweeted: "Oh noo. You guys just told me about Cheryl I have been so paranoid about malaria my grandad had it. Let's say a wee prayer all is ok. Xx."

While she was on holiday in Costa Rica earlier in the week, Nadine ironically said: "I wish someone had warned us about the Mosquitos out there. They are ruthless. 1st time to be bitten now I can sympathise."