Cheryl Cole: X Factor made my year

Cheryl Cole: 'This has been the best year of my life'

Cheryl Cole has revealed that 2008 has been one of the best years of her life – despite the fact that husband Ashley allegedly cheated on her.

On the eve of the new series of the X Factor, Cheryl revealed how becoming a judge on the show has made her year. And she certainly looked fantastic as she stepped out with Ashley at London's Nobu restauramt in a stunning Herve Leger dress.

She told the Mirror: ‘Do you know what, I've actually had, in a way, a really fantastic year.

'It's probably one of the best years I've ever had, ironically.

'We did the sell-out tour, which was an unbelievable experience. We played the O2 - you can't describe that feeling.'

The Geordie Girl Aloud even admitted having a 'soft spot' for fellow judge Simon Cowell, saying: ‘I have always had a little soft spot for him, if I am totally honest.

'But I do tell him when I think he is wrong because he is not always right.

'Just being around Simon, and his ego, he's taught me quite a lot.

'He's made me a lot more confident and comfortable.'

Simon repaid the compliment by telling press: 'I'm going to really embarrass her now. But she is one of the best people I've ever worked with.'

And what of those rumours about a rift with co-judge Dannii Minogue? Cheryl played them down: ‘I happen to think women in their 30s are at their most attractive, at their peak, at their most confident and more sexy.

'It's quite embarrassing that people keep saying, "Oh Cheryl's younger".

'Having those 10 years probably means she's got more wisdom and more life experience.'

SEE OUR FAVOURITE CHERYL COLE FASHION MOMENTS HERE