Simon Cowell: divorce and malaria might be 'making' of Cheryl Cole

Simon Cowell has praised his fellow X Factor judge for her courage during her turbulent year

Simon Cowell has praised his fellow X Factor judge Cheryl Cole for her bravery following her malaria scare and divorce.

Speaking to The Mirror, the mogul said 'I genuinely don’t know how she coped with it all,' but hinted that the turbulent few months have had a positive effect on the star.

'My feeling is that she is in a better place mentally,' Simon Said. 'I think she realises she had taken on an awful lot of commitments. In a weird way this may have helped her manage her life better.'

As for Ms C's return to the limelight, and he added, 'I think you will see a sharp, focused Cheryl Cole when she returns.'

And while Simon might be advising Cheryl to slow down, he also hinted that she could be involved with the US version of the X Factor when it starts filming next year.

CHERYL COLE FASHION HISTORY

X FACTOR 2010: IN PICTURES