Just days after it was reported that Cheryl Fernandez-Versini is divorcing her husband Jean-Bernard, Cheryl's former bandmate Sarah Harding has spoken up and shown her support for the Geordie beauty.
During an appearance on ITV's Loose Women, Sarah revealed that she got in touch with the singer as soon as she heard the news.
"I dropped her a text," said Sarah. "But you know Cheryl, she's a strong girl and she will bounce back, she always does, so I'm sure she'll be fine."
© Photo: Rex"Cheryl is a strong girl. She'll bounce back," said former bandmate Sarah Harding
The pretty blonde, who opted for a summery look in a white mini dress, admitted that she didn't know Cheryl and Jean-Bernard well as a couple, but that she'd met the Frenchman during her time on The Xtra Factor.
"He seemed nice enough," said Sarah. "He was always there."
Sarah shared an Instagram photo of herself and Cheryl backstage. "COME ON THE GIRLS!!! #xfactor," the 34-year-old wrote, cheering on her friend who was mentoring the Girls category.
The girls enjoyed a reunion backstage at The X Factor in 2014
For weeks, rumours have been circulating that Cheryl and Jean-Bernard, who married in secret in July 2014, have split. The I Don't Care singer and her husband haven't been pictured together in public since mid-October.
The estranged couple were last seen attending Ant and Dec's 40th birthday bash in London, with Cheryl dressing to impress in a nude, floor-length gown that featured a thigh-high split and lace-up detailing.
Although the former Girls Aloud star has yet to comment on the split, hours after the news broke, Cheryl shared an Instagram selfie that showed her blowing a kiss.
© Photo: Getty ImagesCheryl and Jean-Bernard haven't been pictured together since mid-October
"In the end Cheryl realised she had married too soon and had been swept away by a bit of a whirlwind romance," a source told The Mirror. "Over time it became clear to each of them that they were very different people and from very different worlds.
"They are now focusing on making sure they stay friends. The divorce is amicable and they have both said they will always be there for each other."
In the wake of reports Jean-Bernard posted a cryptic message on his Instagram account, writing: "To be continued ...if You Think You Know, You ain't (got) no idea but be my guest keep on talking!"
A few days earlier the restaurateur also posted a comment, saying: "Mean people don't bother me a bit. Mean people who disguise themselves as nice people bother me a whole lot. Don't come for me unless I send for you."
