It has been confirmed that Cheryl Cole will not attend the X-Factor auditions in Manchester.

There are now fears that the star will miss the show completely as she is still under 24-hour care in The University College of London's Tropical Disease Unit.

Producers of the hit TV show are worried that their most popular judge will miss the Boot Camp part of the programme, scheduled for July 22.

It is also feared that Cheryl may be unfit for the Judge's House episodes, due to be filmed at the beginning of August.

An ITV source said they are keeping their options open for Cheryl to return later in the series, but doctors say it is unlikely the pint-sized pop star will be well enough as she prepares to spend a fifth night in hospital.