Security around SIMON COWELL's British TV contest THE X FACTOR is on high-alert after a crazed fan tried to attack judge and GIRLS ALOUD star CHERYL COLE.

Cheryl was leaving a hotel in Glasgow, Scotland after filming scenes for the televised talent show this month when she was approached by an unidentified man.

The singer was posing for photographers when the lone man lunged through the crowd and grabbed her. The 25-year-old singer was saved by her assistant.

A spokesman for the show says, "Cheryl happily posed for a picture with this man - then he came up behind her and bear-hugged her."

Security for other The X Factor stars - including Louis Walsh and Dannii Minogue - has also been stepped up.