'I loved you so much but you never gave a f**k.'

Hardly the kind of language one would expect to hear from the girl dubbed the nation's sweetheart. But then it's probably fair to say Cheryl (nee Cole/Tweedy) isn't exactly renowned for having a way with words. In the decade since Girls Aloud shot to fame via reality television show Popstars: The Rivals, she's become something of a household name in her own right, whether it be as a judge on subsequent televised talent shows or for the profile marriage then break-up with Chelsea and England footballer Ashley Cole. In the meantime, she's also been awarded numerous 'Woman of the Year' accolades from the likes of FHM, Cosmopolitan and Heat Magazine while releasing two multi-platinum solo albums along the way. Not bad for someone considered to be the weakest singer in said aforementioned girl band.
Of course, it's easy to be cynical where someone with the media persona of Cheryl Cole is concerned. Dogged by allegations of racism culminating in an assault charge at the outset of her career with Girls Aloud, controversy hasn't been far behind her ever since. Even as the seemingly untouchable darling of The X Factor judging panel, a public spat with Simon Cowell saw her removal from both the UK and US versions. Despite initial suggestions her career could be in jeopardy as a result, Ms Cole has managed to dust herself down, heal the wounds of time and return to the studio, admittedly with more than a little help from an impressive cast of A-list friends.
Continue reading: Cheryl Cole - A Million Lights Album Review