Cheryl Cole pulls out of Children In Need performance after she's struck down by 'pharyngitis'

By Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 5:07 PM on 15th November 2011

Cheryl Cole has been struck down with pharyngitis ruling her out of a performance for Children In Need.

The singer had been due to collaborate with Gary  Barlow for Children In Need Rocks Manchester on Thursday.

But she's now been deemed too ill to perform due to her condition.

Too ill to perform: Cheryl Cole has been struck down with pharyngitis ruling her out of a performance with Gary Barlow

This comes as a report claims that Cheryl may be in line for a 'hero's return' to The X Factor after Barlow tried to persuade the Girls Aloud singer to rejoin the judging panel.

Barlow is desperate to bring Cheryl back on board show The X Factor and the matter was discussed when the pop stars met up last week when Cheryl visited Gary's home in Holland Park, London.

According to reports their meeting had been scheduled to discuss 'a music project'. But talk soon turned to the X Factor as Head Judge Gary pleaded with the singer to come back to the show.

I want you back: The Take That singer apparently said he wants to bring back Cheryl to the X Factor judging panel

A spokesperson for Cheryl said: 'Cheryl Cole has sadly had to pull out of a performance at CIN Rocks this week as she is suffering from pharyngitis.'

Pharyngitis is an inflammation of the throat or pharynx, it's the most common cause of a sore throat.

The news has left Gary Barlow without a partner to sing with, and he'll be hoping for an eleventh hour saviour.

Only last night the Take That star expressed concerns about Cheryl’s health during rehearsals for the show, saying: 'We’re still waiting to hear but, if it doesn’t happen, I don’t know what we’re going to do.'

He has also brought together a supergroup named The Collective, comprised Chipmunk, Ed Sheeran, Miss Dynamite, Rizzle Kicks, Tulisa Contostavlos and Labrinth for this year's BBC Children In Need single, Teardrop.

The group will perform the single on this week's live show.

On her way out? Tulisa, 3rd from left, may well be replaced by Cheryl Cole according to rumours

Cheryl and Gary met at his Holland Park home recently where it's alleged the Take That singer asked Cheryl to rejoin the X Factor judging panel.

Following their meeting, a source told Closer magazine: 'Talk inevitably turned to the X Factor and Cheryl admitted she thought it'd gone downhill.

'Gary said, with his backing, she could come back a hero. He was being really positive, buttering her up, and Cheryl couldn't stop smiling.

'He told she has his full support. Gary doesn't rate Tulisa as a judge.'

Has she got what it takes to save the X Factor? It's believed Cheryl's return could provide a much needed ratings boost for the show

'I might just have to get on the piano and do a bit of Roll Out The Barrel...'

Rumours that Cheryl may return have apparently put N-Dubz star Tulisa's nose out of joint, as it may be her seat on the panel that's under threat.

Earlier this year Cheryl was unceremoniously dumped from the U.S. version of the X Factor after owner Simon Cowell decided she was 'uncomfortable' in the new role.

She was replaced with Nicole Scherzinger and reportedly turned down £2.5million to return to the UK version.

Will she be back? Cheryl Cole is pictured here with Simon Cowell on the X Factor judging panel last year

Instead N-Dubz star Tulisa Contostavlos and Kelly Rowland joined the panel alongside Gary Barlow.

And Tulisa allegedly blew her top when news got back to her of Cheryl and Gary's meeting.

Closer's source said: 'Tulisa was already paranoid about losing her job, so when she heard he'd actually met with Cheryl, she was shouting and cursing, calling Gary a "Judas".'