'Nothing would have stopped me': Fearless Cheryl Cole says she was ready for anything in Afghanistan, even being held at gunpoint

By MARCUS BARNES

In the thick of it: Cheryl Cole takes part in a demonstration by 42 Commando Royal Marines in Helmand Province conducting a compound clearance followed by a casualty evacuation via a Chinook helicopter

Cheryl Cole has admitted that she was frightened by the training she received before her trip to Afghanistan but she revealed that nothing would have stopped her traveling to the middle east to boost the morale of British troops.

The 28-year-old singer went on the visit to British troops last month and says she was prepared for the worst - including having a gun held to her head.

She braved the dangers of war to spend time with troops in the treacherous Helmand Province.


Up close and personal: The singer witnessed dramatic demonstrations during her time with British troops in Afghanistan


Trigger happy: Cheryl waits to be handed a rifle by one of the troops during her morale-boosting visit

Cheryl, who was followed by the Daily Mirror as part of their Pride Of Britain awards, revealed to the newspaper: 'Before I went out I was given war training which was pretty full-on and quite scary.

'They warn you about coping with all kinds of scary scenarios - things like having a gun put to your head.

'I was warned before I went out there that it could be dangerous. But nothing was going to stop me from going. And I'm just so glad I did.'


Left, right, left, right!: The former X Factor judge is put though her paces in a training session


Taking it in her stride: Cheryl said she'd been scared during pre-Afghanistan training but she ready for anything - even a gun to the head

The former X Factor judge took part in a demonstration by 42 Commando Royal Marines conducting a compound clearance followed by a casualty evacuation via a Chinook helicopter.

She said that she had never experienced so much dust in her life after the helicopter came in to extract the casualty.

Cheryl also spent time with members of the Afghan national army, as well as our own British troops


No messing around: She was placed in real-life situations during the demonstration - here a 'casualty' is tended to while they await help

She added: 'Afghanistan was an unbelievable experience. The whole trip was incredible. The men and women I met out there were inspirational, and so amazingly brave and dedicated.

'I've stayed in touch with some of the troops through Twitter and they've been sending nice messages. It was a privilege to see what goes on out there.'

Cheryl also revealed she had exchanged numbers with one soldier and was planning to call him.


What a carry on: Cheryl joins in as troops carry a 'casualty' to their pick up point

She said: 'Not only are the soldiers incredibly brave, a few were also incredibly cute. I came back with a phone number.

'He started chatting to me - I think it was for a dare - after I'd been 'shot' during a training exercise. It wasn't real ammunition but it was still terrifying.

'I think I'll call him this week and we'll see what happens. I'm sure he's not expecting me to ring but that's why it'll be funny - and that's why I'm going to do it.'


In the driving seat: Cheryl also took charge of a Jackal vehicle during the visit to Camp Bastion


Keeping watch: Cheryl crouches beside a soldier from 1 RIFLES during an exercise at Camp Bastion in which soldiers carried out a patrol, held a shura and dealt with a casualty


Safety first: The singer makes sure her helmet is securely attached to her head as she prepare to get involved in a demonstration with the troops


Fighting spirit: Cheryl met troops from 3 Commando Brigade who are serving as Task Force Helmand and personnel from Joint Force Support in Afghanistan who are currently deployed on Operation Herrick


Lifting spirits: Troops were buoyed by Cheryl's appearance - here she poses with members of the Afghan National Army

Cheryl added: 'I always had admiration for what the guys do out here, but seeing them here at work is awe inspiring.

'I'm delighted to be here to recognise all the hard work they do. Every one of them is a hero in my book.'

One solider said of Cheryl's trip: 'She's a stunner and having her out here has lifted morale.

She's probably the biggest star to visit. Fair play to her, it's a dangerous place to come.'


Happy to be here: The Girls Aloud star poses with members of 3 Commando Brigade's Brigade Reconnaissance Force, an elite unit of soldiers and Marines who are part of 30 Commando Royal Marines


CHERYL COLE: Footage of the star in Afghanistan



source : dailymail

Didn't you see the forecast? Cheryl Cole jets back into balmy London from New York wearing a hoody and woollen hat

By Sarah Bull


It's the warmest October the UK has experienced for a century.

But clearly Cheryl Cole didn't check the weather forecast before arriving back in England from New York on Friday.

The 28-year-old singer was photographed at the airport in London wearing a thick hooded jumper and a woollen beanie hat as she made her way to the waiting car.

Didn't you see the forecast? Cheryl Cole arrived back in the UK on Friday wearing a thick hooded jacket and a woollen beanie hat

Her aides, meanwhile, obviously had checked out the latest weather report before getting on the aeroplane, and were wearing much more suitable T-shirts and summer dresses.

Cheryl was returning back to the UK from America, where she has been working on her second solo album.

Earlier this week, the Girls Aloud star was seen unveiling yet another new look when she stepped out with her blonde bob teased into tumbling curls after a lengthy trip to a hair salon.

Bit warm? But Cheryl didn't appear to notice her fashion faux pas as she made her way to the waiting car at the London airport

That's more like it: Cheryl's aides had the right idea in their T-shirts and floaty summer dresses


Cheryl teamed her wavy look with a £345 Marc Jacobs printed panther minidress, brown boots and a £855 Ralph Lauren satchel-type bag as she made the most of the sunshine during her trip to New York.

She had earlier arrived at the hairdressers with her hair tied up with a big bow.

Cheryl has also been keeping her fans updated with what's going on with recording the new album on her Twitter page, which she set up earlier this year.

She tweeted earlier this week: 'I'm gonna have to get some patience.

'This is hard.. I'm too frustrated with excitement for you to hear my new music.. I could pop!!'

Curls Aloud: Cheryl showed off a new look with tumbling waves as she visited a hair salon in New York earlier this week

Chic: Cheryl's new look worked well with her Marc Jacobs printed dress, Ralph Lauren bag and brown boots


But one thing Cheryl fans are set to be disappointed about are reports that the singer was set to return to the UK X Factor for the live final.

N-Dubz singer Tulisa Contostavlos, who replaced Cheryl on the show, said the rumours are not true.

She explained: 'I can 100 per cent reassure fans I'll be sitting in that judge's chair in the final. Cheryl and I talk and laugh at the rumours about her.

'We've sat down and had the conversation at her birthday party. People are going to make up rumour after rumour. It's been intense.'

The before shot: Cheryl was seen arriving at the salon earlier in the day with her hair tied up in a big bow


source:dailymail

Curls Aloud: Cheryl Cole tries a new look with tumbling waves as she enjoys New York trip

By Sarah Bull


Curls Aloud: Cheryl Cole showed off a new look with tumbling waves as she visited a hair salon in New York earlier this week


She wowed fans when she unveiled her new blonde hair earlier this year, and now Cheryl Cole is mixing things up with yet another new look.

The 28-year-old singer stepped out with her bob teased into tumbling curls after a lengthy trip to a hair salon earlier this week.

Cheryl teamed her wavy look with a £345 Marc Jacobs printed panther minidress, brown boots and a £855 Ralph Lauren satchel-type bag as she made the most of the sunshine during her trip to New York.

Chic: Cheryl's new look worked well with her Marc Jacobs printed dress, Ralph Lauren bag and brown boots

She had earlier arrived at the hairdressers with her hair tied up with a big bow.

As well as recording her second solo album in the Big Apple, the Girls Aloud star also jetted to Hollywood to film a cameo role in upcoming movie What To Expect When You're Expecting.

But Cheryl has also apparently found time for a bit of romance, and was recently romantically linked to music producer Alex Da Kid, with whom she has been working on her new material.

A source told the Sun: 'Cheryl and Alex have struck up a great friendship and have been living in each other's pockets for the past week.

'Some of the recording sessions have run into the very early hours with just the two of them and a laptop in their hotel rooms.

'Cheryl has been suffering from jet lag and couldn't sleep , so they have just worked through the night.

'It hasn't been all work though - they've enjoyed some play too.

'If the music is going to work, then they need to find their own chemistry.'

Cheryl has also been keeping her fans updated with what's going on with the recording on her Twitter page, which she set up earlier this year.

She tweeted earlier this week: 'I'm gonna have to get some patience.

;This is hard.. I'm too frustrated with excitement for you to hear my new music.. I could pop!!'

But one thing Cheryl fans are set to be disappointed about are reports that the singer was set to return to the UK X Factor for the live final.

N-Dubz singer Tulisa Contostavlos, who replaced Cheryl on the show, said the rumours are not true.

The before shot: Cheryl was seen arriving at the salon earlier in the day with her hair tied up in a big bow

She explained: 'I can 100 per cent reassure fans I'll be sitting in that judge's chair in the final. Cheryl and I talk and laugh at the rumours about her.

'We've sat down and had the conversation at her birthday party. People are going to make up rumour after rumour. It's been intense.'


Changing styles: (Left to right) Cheryl with dark brown hair earlier this year, unveiling her new blonde look at her 28th birthday party and opting for a bouffant style 'do at the Stylistpick.com party last month


source:dailymail

These are the OUTTAKES? Cheryl Cole looks hotter than ever in sexy unseen calendar pictures

By Sarah Bull


Hotter than ever: Cheryl Cole shared two outtakes from her 2012 calendar shoot with her fans on Twitter


For most people, an outtake is something that wasn't good enough to include in a movie or photoshoot.

But that doesn't seem to be the case for Cheryl Cole, who shared two never-before-seen pictures from her calendar on Twitter.

The 28-year-old singer looks hotter than ever in the photographs, which didn't make the cut to be included on the 2012 edition of her calendar.


In one shot, Cheryl is seen showing off her toned figure in a pair of tiny denim shorts and low-cut white blouse.

Her hair is left in soft waves around her face, while a floral garland sits atop her head, giving the picture a hippy feel about it.

In another artful black and white shot, a topless Cheryl glances sexily across her shoulder while holding her hair away from her face, using just a white sheet to conceal her modesty.

Cheryl only signed up for a Twitter account earlier this year, but has since been keeping fans updated on what has been going on in her life.

Yesterday, the Girls Aloud star teased followers about her upcoming music projects, admitting she is desperate to make her new songs public.

She tweeted: 'I'm gonna have to get some patience.. This is hard.. I'm too frustrated with excitement for you to hear my new music.. I could pop!!'

However, one thing Cheryl didn't share with her fans was the news that she has apparently found herself a new love interest.

The stunning brunette, who has been in New York for the past few weeks, was spotted going into Manhattan hotel followed by music producer Alex Da Kid, with whom she has been working on her new material.

A source told the Sun: 'Cheryl and Alex have struck up a great friendship and have been living in each other's pockets for the past week.

'Some of the recording sessions have run into the very early hours with just the two of them and a laptop in their hotel rooms.

'Cheryl has been suffering from jet lag and couldn't sleep , so they have just worked through the night. It hasn't been all work though - they've enjoyed some play too.

'If the music is going to work, then they need to find their own chemistry.'


Glamour: The Official Cheryl Cole Calendar is on sale in stationery stores, or online at www.danilo.com


source:dailymail

Battle of the icons: 'I want to be the new Victoria Beckham' says Cheryl Cole - but Posh isn't impressed

By HOLLY THOMAS


Rivalry in the making? Cheryl Cole recently ventured into the fashion world with the launch of her debut shoe collection


They're two of the UK's most famous female exports, but it seems that Cheryl Cole and Victoria Beckham have widely differing opinions on each other.

While Cheryl gushed in a recent interview that she is a huge fan of Victoria's work, Posh Spice herself is less keen on the Fight For This Love singer's taste.

A source has claimed that the designer resents the fact that should Cheryl make a move into fashion, the pair will be compared at every turn.


'Victoria has spent years trying to distance herself from the world of the WAGs that she and Cheryl inhabited when they were friends during the 2006 World Cup,' a source told Heat magazine this week.

'She's fought tooth and nail to be respected in the world of high fashion and last week she was the toast of New York's Fashion Week.'

'Now she feels as though Cheryl's trying to piggy-back on all of her hard work,' they added.

.. but Victoria Beckham reportedly isn't happy with the Girls Aloud star's move into fashion even though Cheryl is a huge fan of the former Spice Girl's work


Cheryl meanwhile has been approached to produce a shoe line for shopping site stylistpick.com, and it appears that she's found inspiration in her fellow singer-turned fashion queen.

'I saw Victoria on a plane recently and she said how exciting it is to be a designer', the 28-year-old divulged in an interview for this week's edition of Grazia.

'I think it's brilliant what she's done. I'd love to do what she's doing. Her New York Fashion Week collection was my favourite,' she continued.

Clearly throwing herself into her new venture with enthusiasm, she added: 'I pulled out all my shoes from my closet and a million tear sheets.'

Enthusiastic: Cheryl pictured the StylistPick launch party earlier this month, has gushed that she loved Victoria's latest collection, and has taken to her own new designing role with gusto


But heat's source claims that Victoria feels Cheryl has 'stolen her idea,' having had many conversations in the past with the X Factor star about shoes in the past.

Cheryl on the other hand feels she's been putting the work in, as she told Grazia: 'I think I've cracked it.'

She also tried to make her personal motivations for the move very clear, continuing: 'I'm all about shopping online because I hate changing rooms. Those horrible lights, unflattering mirrors. I prefer to try stuff on at home.'

She adds that she is glad to be designing for a site like stylistpick because the contents of others such as Net a Porter aren't affordable for everyone.

Insecure: Victoria, pictured shopping in New York recently with baby daughter Harper, has worked very hard to make a name for herself in high fashion


This uncomfortable difference of opinion echoes a similar incident in 2009, when Cheryl commented that Victoria's dress range was more suited for 'older women'.

Another source talking to Heat has reportedly divulged that Victoria has 'confidence issues,' aggravated by the fact that Cheryl is 'younger and very beautiful.'

But the source adds that Victoria's main concern is not that her designs will overlap with Cheryl's, but that if Cheryl entering the fashion arena, the inevitable comparisons made between them could add to her insecurities.


source:dailymail

He's got her attention! Meet the buff soldier who exchanged numbers with Cheryl Cole

-Andy 'Bagsy' Baker revealed as her 'gorgeous soldier'
-He wants her to wait for him until army let him use his mobile phone in October

By Alanah Eriksen


New man? Soldier Andy Baker caught Cheryl Cole's eye during her moral-boosting trip to Afghanistan and he hopes to take her out for dinner


This is the buff soldier who exchanged numbers with Cheryl Cole.

Andy Baker plans to meet up with the former X Factor judge after the pair met during her morale-boosting trip to Afghanistan.

The pair were introduced at an award presentation at Camp Bastion and met again a barracks dinner.


They posed for several photos together and once Cheryl returned home, she said she planned to give her 'gorgeous soldier' a call.

Andy, 25, who is known as Bagsy to his peers, plans to meet up with her once he returns home.

His brother-in-law Graham Peck told the Daily Mirror yesterday: 'Andy would love to take Cheryl out for dinner when he’s back in the UK.

'He thought she was absolutely lovely, and really gorgeous – I think all the guys did.

“Andy contacted me through Facebook, raving about Cheryl and even made a photo of them his profile picture.

'They met up a couple of times during her trip and hit it off.'

But the Girls Aloud star may have to wait until next month as Andy has no mobile phone service until October 1.

Graham added: 'When Bagsy read that Cheryl was planning on ringing her mystery soldier, he panicked because he’s not allowed to have his phone on for another nine days – it’s military rules.

'He wants her to know that he’ll be in touch the moment he lands, and wants her to wait for him. Andy’s a great guy and keeps himself fit in the gym.'

Popstar to soldier: Cheryl was seen wearing army fatigues with her surname embroided on the pocket of her shirt


Andy, of Colchester, Essex, sports an enviable six-pack and has a tattoo sprawling from his left wrist and across his chest.

He serves with the tough 3 Commando Brigade, the Royal Navy’s amphibious infantry and has been in the Marines for four years.

Andy is currently based in the Marines’ Logistics branch and earns about £29,000 a year, compared with Cheryl's ex husband Ashley Cole's £90,000 a week.
He is also apparently a keen footballer.

One of the troops: Cheryl with a group of servicemen during her visit to Afghanistan


After her trip, Cheryl said: 'Not only are the soldiers incredibly brave, a few were incredibly cute. There was a bit of banter with a couple of the lads and yes, a few flirted I think.

'I came back with a phone number from one lad, although I think his talking to me was a dare.

'I think I am going to call him this week and let’s see what happens. I’m sure he’s not expecting us to, but that’s why it’ll be funny.'


source:dailymail

That’s one way to create a buzz! Cheryl Cole celebrates her shoe collection by sporting her hair hair in gigantic beehive

By Sarah Fitzmaurice


Huge hair: Cheryl Cole celebrated her shoe collaboration with Stylistpick at a party in London and the singer opted for a gigantic beehive for the occasion


She is making her first foray into fashion and tonight Cheryl Cole made sure she generated a buzz at the launch party.

The Girls Aloud singer stepped out with huge hair in a larger-than-life beehive style to celebrate her collaboration with online fashion site Stylistpick.

Teaming the massive hair style which she held back with a gold headband, Cheryl had donned a scarlet satin dress with rouched and draping detail as well as cut-out panels, showing off her slim figure.


And adding extra inches Cheryl had donned a pair of extremely high beige suede shoes.

Cheryl had posted a snap of herself enjoying a cocktail to her Twitter page and commented: 'It's shoe time.. Haha ;-) '

On hand to support Cheryl was her fellow Girls Aloud bandmate Nicola Roberts who also attended the event and the girls posed together inside the bash.

The pair had enjoyed somewhat of a band reunion last night with Sarah Harding and Kimberley Walsh, but notably the group was minus Nadine Coyle.

Big barnet: Cheryl donned a scarlet dress with draped detailing and mesh panels for the bash held at the Olivier National Theatre, making sure she created a buzz with her beehive

Stepping into fashion: Cheryl is launching her own line of shoes in collaboration with Stylistpick and her range will be available on the site in December


Cheryl’s first capsule shoe collection will be available from December, just in time for Christmas.

The collection forms part of a wide collaboration between Cheryl and Stylistpick, which will see her choosing her favourite pieces from the online accessory retailer's monthly mainline collections and sharing style insights

Bigger the better: Cheryl seems to be championing larger-than-life hair despite receiving criticism with her style choice at the X Factor U.S.A. launch in May


Stylistpick’s chief creative officer Juliet Warkentin said: ‘We are thrilled to be working with Cheryl. Cheryl is the style icon and is amazingly warm, a quality that has made her the nation's favourite.

'We believe that the launch will have a huge fashion impact; establishing fashion's greatest influencer as a major force in fashion design and further democratising fashion.’

While Cheryl's look for the evening demands attention what fashion critics will make of her big barnet will be interesting given the criticism Cheryl endured after she stepped out with huge hair at the launch of the U.S. version of the X Factor in May.

Sisterly support: Cheryl's bandmate and close friend Nicola Roberts attended the party to support her chum


Calming party nerves? Cheryl posted a snap of herself sipping on a cocktail to her Twitter page and captioned it 'It's shoe time.. Haha ;-)'


source:dailymail

Fight for Our Boys! Forces' sweetheart Cheryl Cole dons army fatigues to train with British troops in Afghanistan

By Sarah Bull


Yes ma'am: Cheryl Cole donned camouflage as she visited Camp Bastion in Afghanistan


She donned a variety of camouflage-style outfits when she was promoting her debut single Fight For This Love.

But yesterday Cheryl Cole wore the army colours for a different reason, as she became the new forces' sweetheart while visiting British troops in Afghanistan.

The 28-year-old star flew out to Camp Bastion in the Helmand province on Tuesday night on a visit to mark 10 years of British operations in the country.


Cheryl boarded a troop carrier plane at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire for a 12-hour flight on Tuesday morning, having previously undergone hostile environment training to prepare her for the trip.

On the way to Afghanistan, Cheryl made herself useful on the flight, serving drinks and dinners of sausages and mash to her fellow passengers, who were flying out for a six-month tour.

Once in the Helmand Province, Cheryl was given her own army fatigues and took part in a mock gun fight, which she deemed 'terrifying'.

Hello boys: The singer brought a much-needed lift to the troops stationed in the camp


She added: 'I went into the room and heard an explosion.

'It was scary. I was terrified. I'm not ashamed to say I screamed and uttered a few expletives.'

Task Force Helmand chief, ­Lt Col Tim Purbrick, told the Daily Mirror: 'Cheryl was not afraid to get her shoes dirty.

'When everyone heard she was coming we did not know what to expect as she’s a huge star.

One of the gang: The singer looked right at home as she posed with soldiers from the Beachley's 1 Rifles

Ello pet: One of the forces' dogs soon caught the attention of animal-lover Cheryl

'But whatever ­preconceptions we had went out of the window as soon as we met her.

'Her smile is infectious, she was up for doing everything we suggested. She was like one of the lads.'

Cheryl added: 'I always had admiration for what the guys do out here, but seeing them here at work is awe inspiring.

'I'm delighted to be here to recognise all the hard work they do. Every one of them is a hero in my book.'

One solider said of Cheryl's trip: 'She's a stunner and having her out here has lifted morale.

She's probably the biggest star to visit. Fair play to her, it's a dangerous place to come.'

The former Girls Aloud star agreed to fly to the war zone to film a tribute to the Armed Forces as part of the newspaper's Pride of Britain Awards, which are to be screened on ITV1 next month.

Cheryl follows in the footsteps of a number of celebrities and high-profile figures who have paid similar visits to the war-torn region.

Last May, footballer David Beckham made a surprise trip during which he paid tribute to the 'amazing' work of British troops and took part in a penalty challenge with 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles.

Classical star Katherine Jenkins and singer and former soldier James Blunt have both performed for troops, while Prince William made a special trip in November to join servicemen at a remembrance service.

Forces sweetheart: Cheryl flew out to Afghanistan on Tuesday to visit British troops in the country


source:dailymail

Fight for Our Boys! Forces' sweetheart Cheryl Cole dons army fatigues to train with British troops in Afghanistan

By Sarah Bull


She donned a variety of camouflage-style outfits when she was promoting her summer anthem Fight For This Love.

But yesterday Cheryl Cole wore the army colours for a different reason, as she became the new forces' sweetheart while visiting British troops in Afghanistan.

The 28-year-old star flew out to Camp Bastion in the Helmand province on Tuesday night on a visit to mark 10 years of British operations in the country.

Cheryl boarded a troop carrier plane at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire for a 12-hour flight on Tuesday morning, having previously undergone hostile environment training to prepare her for the trip.

On the way to Afghanistan, Cheryl made herself useful on the flight, serving drinks and dinners of sausages and mash to her fellow passengers, who were flying out for a six-month tour.

Once in the Helmand Province, Cheryl was given her own army fatigues and took part in a mock gun fight, which she deemed 'terrifying'.

She added: 'I went into the room and heard an explosion.

'It was scary. I was terrified. I'm not ashamed to say I screamed and uttered a few expletives.'

Task Force Helmand chief, ­Lt Col Tim Purbrick, told the Daily Mirror: 'Cheryl was not afraid to get her shoes dirty.

'When everyone heard she was coming we did not know what to expect as she’s a huge star.
'But whatever ­preconceptions we had went out of the window as soon as we met her.

'Her smile is infectious, she was up for doing everything we suggested. She was like one of the lads.'

Forces sweetheart: Cheryl Cole flew out to Afghanistan on Tuesday to visit British troops in the country


Cheryl added: 'I always had admiration for what the guys do out here, but seeing them here at work is awe inspiring.

'I'm delighted to be here to recognise all the hard work they do. Every one of them is a hero in my book.'

One solider said of Cheryl's trip: 'She's a stunner and having her out here has lifted morale.

She's probably the biggest star to visit. Fair play to her, it's a dangerous place to come.'

The former Girls Aloud star agreed to fly to the war zone to film a tribute to the Armed Forces as part of the newspaper's Pride of Britain Awards, which are to be screened on ITV1 next month.

Camouflage fan: Cheryl must have been thrilled with her army fatigues, as she has regularly donned khaki clothes over the past few years


Cheryl follows in the footsteps of a number of celebrities and high-profile figures who have paid similar visits to the war-torn region.

Last May, footballer David Beckham made a surprise trip during which he paid tribute to the 'amazing' work of British troops and took part in a penalty challenge with 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles.

Classical star Katherine Jenkins and singer and former soldier James Blunt have both performed for troops, while Prince William made a special trip in November to join servicemen at a remembrance service.


source:dailymail