Ashley Cole has been accused of sleeping with four women whilst married to the gorgeous Cheryl Cole and who knows how many more will emerge over the coming weeks. As she tries to deal with the never-ending revelations, Cheryl has been spending time in LA and scoping out her career opportunities in the States, without Ashley.

However friends are worried about the petite star, who is said to be struggling with the realisation that Ashley Cole may not be the father of her children and the man she grows old with.

Last night a close pal of the singer told The News Of The World: “Cheryl’s dead behind the eyes. She’s incredibly low and we’re very, very worried about her.”

“This has hit her so much harder than the last time Ashley was caught out. The shame and humiliation are doing her in.

“She was furious when he cheated before, but she always thought they could work it out. Don’t forget, she’s always imagined Ashley as the father of her children.

“But now for the first time she’s having to think seriously about life without him – and that’s very scary for her.”

Cheryl is said to be considering moving to LA full time in a bid to escape the furore in the UK.

The friend added: “It’s very telling that Cheryl went to LA. She’s scoping it out as a possible place to live in the near future.

“In the past she put Ashley’s football commitments first but that’s all changed now.

“Simon Cowell is desperate for her to be a judge on the American version of The X Factor. She’s also starting to develop a circle of friends out there.”

“She needs time. She knows once she leaves, she’s not going back.

“But the reality is, that in six months’ time it’s quite unlikely she’ll be with Ashley.”