British singer Cheryl Cole collapsed during a photoshoot on Saturday (03Jul10) after falling sick with exhaustion and a stomach virus, according to a U.K. report.
The Girls Aloud beauty has focused on work since splitting from soccer star husband Ashley earlier this year (10), concentrating on her solo career and role as a judge on Simon Cowell's U.K. talent show The X Factor.
But the hectic work schedule has seemingly taken its toll on the Fight For This Love hitmaker - she fainted during a photoshoot in London at the weekend (02-03Jul10).
According to Britain's The Sun, a doctor was called to the scene and diagnosed the singer with severe exhaustion, which left her susceptible to gastroenteritis.
Cole has reportedly been ordered to rest at home and take time out from The X Factor auditions.
A source tells the publication, "She should never have gone to the studio. She insisted she was fine, even though she clearly wasn't.
"Her skin was pale and her lips had no colour. She's rundown and tired. That's why she ended up with the stomach virus.
"She told the photographer she'd be all right if she got her make-up on. But once she was under the lights it was clear she wasn't well. She was really sweating and the make-up staff had a job on their hands.
"Eventually she just keeled over. It was horrible. She was only out for a few seconds but it was enough to give everyone, including Cheryl, a massive scare. She was carried to a dark room and lay down on a sofa until the doctor arrived. She was sent home to rest and the shoot was postponed indefinitely.
"It was a real shock to see her looking so ill. She looks terrible."