Will.I.Am wants Cheryl Cole to smile again

BARCELONA, SPAIN - JULY 03: Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas performs on stage at the RCD Espanyol Stadium on July 3, 2010 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Javier Fernandez Del Corral/Getty Images)

Will.i.am is hoping to cheer up Cheryl Cole following her malaria scare, by putting a smile back on her “pretty face”.

The X Factor judge – who was hospitalised recently after contracting the disease in Tanzania – is said to be keen to return back to work ASAP and now the Black Eyed Peas star has confirmed it.

“Cheryl’s incredibly strong, spirited and a fighter,” gushed the I Gotta Feeling rapper to Look magazine.

“She’s making good progress and will be back at work shortly. It’s her passion.”

Will.i.am added: “And I’ll see her soon. I want to put that gorgeous smile back on her pretty face.”