Cheryl Cole Biography 

English singer and entertainer Cheryl Cole rose to fame when she became part of the popular girl band Girls Aloud. She maintained her visibility, however, with both a high-profile marriage and a rather serious criminal conviction.

Cheryl Ann Cole, sometimes billed with her maiden name Cheryl Tweedy, was born June 30, 1983 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Her siblings include Garry Tweedy, Andrew Tweedy, Joseph Tweedy, and Gillian Tweedy. She also has one step-sister, Mercedes Louise Tweedy.

Displaying a penchant for entertainment early on, Cole engaged in competitive ballroom dancing, singing, and even a bit of modeling. She also competed and took top prize at a ballet competition.

Cole, never one to be overlooked even at a young age, took many titles in her hometown. These included “Best Looking Girl of Newcastle” and “Most Attractive Girl at the MetroCentre” to name a few.

Capitalizing on her marketability, Cole began her career by appearing in several advertisements from British Gas to Eldon Square to SCS.

Even before her big break, Cole found management with the same people who supported Xscape and 3NM.

But this didn’t provide enough opportunity to support her completely. Rather, she had to work as a waitress while she waited for that career launching event. This eventually came in the form of a talent-search reality series Popstars: The Rivals.

Winning over the voting audience, Cole landed a spot in the all-girl band, Girls Aloud. The other members voted into the band included Nadine Coyle, Sarah Harding, Nicola Roberts, and Kimberley Walsh.

While with the band, Cole was credited with penning several of their hit singles such as “Crazy Fool,” “Big Brother,” and “History.”

Finding as much press for her music career as her personal life, Cole was all over the headlines in 2003 when she was charged with aggravated assault against toilet attendant, Sophie Amogbokpa. Making the matters worse, Cole was facing racially aggravated assault, allegedly throwing racial slurs at Amogbokpa. Cole was formallyl charged with aggravated assault but cleared of the racial motivation.

On July 15, 2006, Cole married high-profile footballer Ashley Cole. (To all the Americans out there, that’s soccer.) Allegations of infidelity on Ashley’s part emerged, however, and in early 2008, the couple reportedly began proceedings for a divorce.

This comes amid rumors that Cole entered into the marriage to diffuse the heat of her assault charge, while Ashley entered into the marriage simply to dodge circulating rumors that he was gay. Neither claim has been verified.

Cole also seems to make headlines for her good friendship with noted celebrity Victoria Beckham.