Public opinion has been steadfastly in Cheryl’s favour, condemning Ashley for his promiscuous behaviour. Cheryl Cole is, after all, considered one of the most attractive women in the world; she is the favourite to win the title of FHM Sexiest Woman of the Year 2010 with odds from Paddy Power at 1/3. Megan Fox is second at 7/4; in spite of her poor acting, suggested by her haul of Razzie nominations, it seems the male population appreciate her other assets.

It seems the general opinion that Cheryl could do much better than Ashley, in any case, and with his looming fine from Chelsea, for purportedly bringing women back to the team hotel room on at least three occasions, his future is looking decidedly unstable. It’s taken Cheryl this long to take some decisive action. There is even a Facebook fan-page titled “Ashley Cole, are you stupid?! Can’t you SEE how hot your wife is?!”

BoyleSports are even offering odds on what the job of Cheryl’s next boyfriend will be. The odds of another footballer are at 7/1, with any sportsman other than a footballer slightly more favourable at 6/1. The most likely occupation is a dancer, with odds of 7/4, perhaps spurred by Cheryl’s appearance with Derek Hough in LA. Whoever she chooses, the odds of him being better than Ashley Cole are considerably high.