Detectives have launched an investigation after Dermot O’Leary received a threatening voicemail message about X Factor co-star Cheryl Cole on his personal phone.

The message, reportedly a rape threat, is of a “sexual, threatening and sickening nature”, police confirmed. A City of London Police spokesperson announced an investigation has been launched. "We are investigating claims of an offensive message being left on a mobile telephone. It follows a complaint from a member of the public."

Cheryl is aware of the message, The Sun reports, but has not actually heard it.

The 26-year-old can add this to her list of recent dramas, including the revelation of her husband Ashley’s infidelities, and having to cancel recent promotional engagements due to a bout of bronchitis.

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