Cheryl steps out for first public appearance since divorce reports


Chloe Best
Lifestyle Features Editor
January 15, 2016

Cheryl Fernandez-Versini showed her fighting spirit as she stepped out for the first time following reports that she is set to divorce husband Jean-Bernard. The X Factor judge joined friends at the launch of a new boxing gym in West London on Thursday, and looked happy as she made her first public appearance in three weeks.

Dressed in a Markus Lupfer printed jumper and ripped jeans, Cheryl flashed a smile for the cameras but kept her left hand concealed from view, meaning it was unclear whether she was still wearing her wedding ring.

© Photo: Getty Images

Cheryl Fernandez-Versini made her first public appearance amid divorce reports

The 32-year-old was attending the opening of KOBOX boutique boxing gym in Chelsea, which is owned by her PA Lily England's partner, Shane Collins.

Earlier in the day Cheryl was put through her paces with a kickboxing class at the gym, and shared a post-workout selfie on Instagram, along with the caption: "K O'd by Shane @kobox."

While Cheryl has been keeping quiet amid reports that she has split from her husband of 18-months, her former bandmate Sarah Harding spoke out to show her support for the star on Wednesday.

Cheryl posted a selfie following her workout on Thursday

During an appearance on ITV's Loose Women, Sarah revealed that she had got in touch with the singer as soon as she heard the news.

"I dropped her a text," Sarah said. "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."

The couple have been subject to rumours of a split for months, but on Sunday it was reported that Cheryl had begun legal proceedings, filing paperwork citing 'irreconcilable differences' as the reason for the breakdown of their marriage.

© Photo: Getty Images

Cheryl is reportedly divorcing her husband Jean-Bernard

"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."

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