Cheryl Cole returns to Africa

Cheryl Cole has flown back to Africa - less than six months after catching deadly malaria there.

She's going to spend New Year near Cape Town in South Africa in the company of friend Derek Hough. They are reported to be staying in a £3,000 a night luxury villa with stunning sea views.

However, it seems the 25 year old dancer has been doing his homework this time - checking that the Cape Town mosquitos don't carry malaria.

A source said, "He wanted to make sure Cheryl had a good start to 2011 after her worst year ever. Then he just told her to pack a bag as he'd organised a holiday for them."

Cheryl nearly died earlier this year after getting malaria when the couple holidayed together in Tanzania. The singer collapsed as she filmed The X-Factor auditions.

2010 also saw Cheryl divorce England footballer Ashley Cole.