NORTH-East born CHERYL Cole has been forced to pull out of a string of appearances after being struck down with a bout of bronchitis.

The singer, who recently announced her split from footballer husband Ashley Cole, was due to give a hotly anticipated performance on Friday Night With Jonathan Ross tonight.

But a statement from the star's spokesman said: "Cheryl Cole has been forced to postpone her promotional activity this week under medical advice after contracting bronchitis."

Cole announced last month that she and her husband were splitting following reports that the England and Chelsea star had been repeatedly unfaithful.