Born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Girls Aloud’s Cheryl Cole was raised in a “heroin-ridden” council estate. Yet interested in dance from an early age, Cole joined the Royal Ballet’s summer school at nine. She also won many modeling competitions, including Boots Group’s Bonniest Baby and Best Looking Girl of Newcastle. Subsequently she appeared in adverts for British Gas and an Eldon Square. Even after landing the GA gig via “Popstars”, Cheryl’s Cinderella story continues to unfold. Not only has she just released her debut solo album, “3 Words”, but Cole also recently signed a £5 million deal to author five romantic novels.

by Mark Emge

One fifth of Britain’s biggest girlband - though not the one who tackles the tough notes. A style icon with several prestigious endorsements to her name, and the constantly-scrutinised body shape to prove it. Maybe she was just too famous to be launching a solo career? Or so we said when Victoria Beckham’s “Not Such An Innocent Girl” stalled at - gasp! - No. 6 in ‘01. The future’s looking rosier for Cheryl Cole, whose first solo single, “Fight For This Love”, was last year’s fastest-selling. She follows it with the title song of debut disc, “3 Words”.

by Mark Emge

One fifth of Britain’s biggest girlband–though not the one who tackles the tough notes. A style icon with several prestigious endorsements to her name, and the constantly-scrutinised body shape to prove it. Maybe she was just too famous to be launching a solo career? Or so we said when Victoria Beckham’s “Not Such An Innocent Girl” stalled at–gasp!–No. 6 in September 2001. The future’s looking rosier for Cheryl Cole, whose first solo offering, “Fight For This Love”, is the year’s fastest-selling single. She follows it with the title song of her debut disc, “3 Words”.

by Mark Emge