Fans concerned for X Factor judge’s health after controversial return

X Factor judge Mel B returned to the show for last night's final, despite concerns for her health. The singer was there to see Ben Haenow's victory, after she bowed out of Saturday' semi-final due to an unexplained illness.

Mel was reportedly admitted to hospital in severe pain on Thursday night, though details of her condition were kept under wraps. Her sister Danielle Brown took to Twitter over the weekend to demand more information from both Simon Cowell and Mel's husband Stephen Belafonte – but it seems she too was in the dark.

When Mel finally did return to her judge's chair last night, viewers immediately expressed concern after spotting what looked like bruising and scratches on the star's arms. She also appeared to have swelling and bruising on her cheek.

Fans took to Twitter to question if Mel was really ready to return to the show – and to ask why she had chosen not to wear a wedding ring. 

Although the singer seemed her usual animated self, she hesitated when Dermot O'Leary enquired if she was feeling better, before responding, "Yes… ish."

We hope she is doing better today!