Cheryl Cole has said as a former Britney Spears fan, she’s sad to see the star’s life in such turmoil.

Cheryl told the Sun this week: “It’s devastating to see Britney like this. It’s so sad, she needs help. She’s mentally ill.”

“She’s someone I idolised growing up and I wanted to be like her. She was amazing and had the whole package. It’s such a shame. I just want to hug her.”

“I’ve said that she can come to my house and I’ll look after her - but she’s rejecting people. Denial, that’s what that is. It looks like she’s got post-natal depression that’s got out of control.”

Cheryl’s Girls Aloud bandmate Nadine Coyle added: “It’s so sad you can see the pain on her face. I can’t even look at her any more.”