Cheryl Cole’s brother has revealed that the X Factor judge is particularly devastated by her recent marriage breakdown, because she and Ashley had agreed to start a family together.

Speaking to The Mirror Andrew Tweedy said:

“She saw him as the father to their kids. That’s why she married him and that’s why he has left her heartbroken.

“Having kids with him, becoming a mother, that’s all Cheryl has ever really wanted. She comes from a big family we are all still close and the maternal instinct is really strong in her.

“The public humiliation makes it 10 times worse, but for her not being able to start a family is the hardest part.”

He added: “I have spoken with Cheryl and she always thought she was going to have a family with Ashley. But trust is a big thing for Cheryl and that is another reason why Ashley’s affairs have hit her so hard.”

Andrew also denied rumours that Cheryl is considering reuniting with her footballing husband saying:

“They are going to divorce and there is no two ways about it. I believe the house is going up for sale and she is going to get it sold as soon as possible and move on with her life.”