Kelly Rowland leaves the X Factor studio (Pic: Splashnews.com)

Kelly Rowland leaves the X Factor studio (Pic: Splashnews.com)

KELLY Rowland has been given 48 hours to decide if she wants to go back to X Factor as it lurched into near chaos.

Katie Hind of The People reveals Simon Cowell gave her the ultimatum after she pulled out of this weekend's live shows with a throat infection.

Kelly, 30, was too ill to fly back from Los Angeles after spending last week there in business meetings.

X Factor bosses had to act quickly and 2008 winner Alexandra Burke stepped in at the last minute to ­mentor Kelly's girl performers.

Now the former Destiny's Child singer has been told she has to decide whether she really wants out.

Alexandra Burke

Last night a show insider revealed: "Kelly has been told it's time to make her mind up. Everyone is supportive of the fact she is ill but other bosses are annoyed at the situation.

"She doesn't want to quit. She is adamant that she isn't worried about the row she had with Tulisa and wants to return but she has to give the ­producers her word – and fast."

Tulisa Contostavlos and Kelly Rowland

Click here for more details on this exclusive story from The People.

And click here for 'Kelly Rowland says Tulisa is making her life intolerable'.