Mel B's driver saved her life while her husband is MIA

Los Angeles - Mel B's chauffeur reportedly saved her life.

The former Spice Girls star was forced to miss the first stage of The X Factor final on Sunday night after she was rushed to hospital when her driver noticed she'd collapsed in the back of the car.

A source revealed: "Mel is in a terrible state, physically and emotionally. She is very weak and she is being given treatment to help with the pain."

"But she is also very upset. She could have died on Thursday and yet one of the only people who has been by her side comforting her is the chauffeur."

The 39-year-old star - whose final act Andrea Faustini was voted off the ITV show during her absence - is said to have been tested for viruses and ulcers but husband Stephen Belafonte has been missing from his wife's bedside.

Meanwhile, although Mel is desperate to return for The X Factor finale but it's said to be very unlikely she'll be well enough to appear.

The source added to The Sun newspaper: "Nobody thinks there is the tiniest chance of her making it back."

"She is just far too fragile. Even if she was discharged from hospital today she wouldn't have the strength to appear."

"The anxiety and emotional stress she's been under are also taking their toll."