Since ending her marriage to footballer Ashley, Cheryl Cole is a highly sought-after lady. With two main contenders reportedly competing for her affection – Black Eyed Peas rapper Will.i.am has described her as "the most beautiful woman in the world" - Cheryl's love life seemed to heat up this week when she jetted out on holiday with dancer Derek Hough.
The handsome 25-year-old reportedly surprised the X Factor judge by whisking her away to Tanzania for a short break, only revealing their destination upon her arrival at Heathrow airport. And while the pair - pictured in December - made every effort to keep apart from each other as they boarded their flight, their joint trip will do little to dispel reports of a blossoming romance.
According to Derek's stepfather Aaron Nelson, the Utah-born choreographer has indeed fallen head over heels for Cheryl. "They are going somewhere very exotic, very picturesque and it will be a very nice break for them," he told the Daily Mirror. "It will be one of those dream, romantic holidays that you take when you are just starting a relationship. Derek is totally in love with that girl and wants to spend as much time as he can with her."
It is thought that Derek, who appeared with Cheryl in her Parachute video, and joined her on stage when she supported the Black Eyed Peas on tour, decided upon Tanzania after Cheryl told him she fell in love with the country while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro last year for Comic Relief.
Cheryl is said to have been over the moon with Derek's thoughtful gesture and immediately accepted his invitation to catch the ten-hour flight on Tuesday evening – the 26-year-old will be back in London next week for X Factor auditions.
"It was a complete surprise for Cheryl and she couldn’t believe he had gone to so much trouble organising it," a source revealed. "She was told to take her passport and all would be revealed at the airport." Another insider added: "You can't get any more serious than going on holiday together. It's early days but Cheryl is so happy. She so deserves to find love again."
