Diana Vickers - X Factor 2008

Former X Factor contestant Diana Vickers has revealed that she was “saddened” to hear that Cheryl Cole had separated from her cheating husband Ashley.

Vickers was mentored by Cheryl during her time on the TV talent show and and says she the ‘Fight For This Love’ singer was like a mother and sister to her during that time.

“Cheryl was a great mentor and judge because she was very competitive and wanted the best for her acts,” Vickers told The Daily Record.

“She has been perfect for X Factor because people watch it just to look at her to see what she is wearing and what she has to say. She has a motherly thing and sisterly thing about her. She is warm and people like to be around her.”

“I had a lovely roast dinner at Cheryl and Ashley’s house. She was lovely and a good hostess.

“I am saddened to hear what has happened to them. I haven’t heard from her since the split,” she said. “It’s a shame because her life is a great rags to riches story.”