It’s been almost two decades since Cheryl became one half of one of showbiz’s most famous couples when she, then a member of Girls Aloud, married Chelsea footballer Ashley Cole.
Named the next “Posh and Becks”, their marriage came to an abrupt end after four years when Ashley was accused – and later admitted to – cheating several times on Cheryl.
She has since described her heartbreak as “torture” and revealed the claims had left her crying hysterically for two months and physically vomiting after reading the reports, which included claims he shared a bottle of wine with one lover before “holding hands” with her after sex.
Now, after what would have been their 17th wedding anniversary last week, Ashley, 42, is counting down the weeks until he marries his new long-term love, Italian former model Sharon Canu, with whom he shares two children – Jaxon, seven, and Grace, four.
The couple got engaged last March and Sharon celebrated her hen do in Ibiza alongside close friends, including Sam Faiers, last month.
Cheryl, 40, has also moved on with her life – welcoming son Bear with ex Liam Payne in 2017 – but now a source says that, despite putting her past behind her, Cheryl has been reflecting on what could have been as another woman prepares to become the second “Mrs Cole”.
The insider says, “Although Cheryl’s over Ashley and happy that he has found love again, it obviously pains her that the wedding is close to what would be her and Ashley’s anniversary as it always makes her think, ‘What if?’
“Her anniversary is always an emotional time – especially after her recent 40th birthday – and she has been keen just to take her mind off it.”
The source adds, “The break-up with Ashley was the hardest thing she’s ever been through. They were so in love and she really thought they would grow old together and have a big family.”
Cheryl went on to marry her second husband, Jean Bernard Fernandez-Versini, in 2014, and also dated dancers Derek Hough and Tre Holloway before her two-year relationship with Liam, which ended in 2018.
The insider reveals that Cheryl, who has remained single since, has reached out to Ashley during special moments in his life, saying, “Ashley broke her heart, but she’ll always care for him and will send him a message to wish him luck, just as she congratulated him on the birth of his children with Sharon.
“Despite the heartache, she does feel so lucky to have her own little family and knows that without her and Ashley’s split, she wouldn’t have him. She’d love to find love again one day too.”