Cheryl Cole has apparently received death threats over her decision to axe X Factor hopeful Gamu Nehngu from the show.

The judge decided against the 18-year-old from Zimbabwe and instead put through fellow contestants Cher Lloyd and Katie Vessel, who both only gave mediocre performances at the judge's houses auditions.

Cole's decision has triggered a furore among fans of the ITV show, with some people reportedly taking this to exteme measures.

According to reports a number of people across the country have been receiving messages, threatening the singer with death.

Besides accusing the singer of various things, the sender of the message claims Cheryl's decision not to put Gamu through was the "biggest mistake of her life".

He goes on to say that he would even kill other girls who are named Cheryl.

Scotland Yard and the X Factor bosses are said to be looking into the matter.