Cheryl Fernandez-Versini has thanked her family for helping her through a nervous breakdown

The 'X Factor' UK judge has opened up about her battle with ill health - as well as her split from Ashley Cole and her 'X Factor' US exit - and it was those closest to her that helped her move on.

She told the Sunday Mirror newspaper: ''I just needed time for growth and peace and quiet.

''Being away gave me the opportunity to enjoy the simple things in life like playing with my dogs Buster and Coco.

''I've got 11 nieces and nephews and having them going crazy in my house and wiping dirty handprints off the glass was just normal stuff. It meant getting back to reality and what really matters.

Meanwhile, the former Girls Aloud singer has also spoken about Jean-Bernard - who she married in July - and insisted while he makes her ''happy'', she was already in a better place before they tied the knot, which allowed their relationship to work.

She told The Sun on Sunday newspaper's Fabulous magazine: ''Yes, he makes me happy - but he's not the reason, because I was happy beforehand.

''And if I hadn't been happy, wouldn't have been open to the relationship.

''I had spent years and years working solidly, so I took time out and did lots of things I wanted to do - from seeing friends to travelling.''