Malaria, divorce, now Cheryl's battling back as she launches her new ring collection with star-studded party in London
By PAUL BENTLEY
Fighting fit: Cheryl Cole was back to her gorgeous self last night as she launched her new ring collection
It was her first official public appearance since she contracted malaria this summer. And turning out for a company that has paid her £250,000 for half an hour's work, who could blame Cheryl Cole for picking this specific event for her comeback?
Miss Cole, 27, stepped out last night at the exclusive Nobu restaurant in central London, to promote Promise, a ring collection she is launching for the luxury jewellery firm de Grisogono.
It was her first working engagement for nearly three months.
Miss Cole has previously worn pieces by the jeweller on The X Factor and received an astonishing £250,000 for a 30-minute appearance for the firm at a Cannes party in May.
Despite having only recently recovered from malaria, and having endured a painful divorce from footballer Ashley Cole, she looked as glamorous as ever last night in an asymmetric dress with gold sequin panelling designed by Elie Saab.
She was joined at the event by several of her celebrity friends including Girls Aloud bandmates Kimberley Walsh and Nicola Roberts, X Factor judge Louis Walsh and interior designer Kelly Hoppen.
Bit wet, isn't it? Cheryl shelters under a huge umbrella as she posed for the cameras
Braving the elements: Cheryl dashes inside Nobu before stopping quickly to flash her winning smile to the crowd outside
She contracted the disease on a holiday in Tanzania this summer. Last year, the former Girls Aloud singer saw her personal wealth soar by 150 per cent.
She earned £1.2million for the last series of The X Factor and that figure is expected to rise again this year.
She also signed deals with L'Oreal and Coca-Cola Zero, which were each worth half a million pounds and her debut solo album, 3 Words, went to No 1.
Best friends: Cheryl and her Girls Aloud bandmates Kimberley Walsh and Nicola Roberts
Celebrity pals: X Factor judge Louis Walsh and interior designer Kelly Hoppen pose with the lady of the hour
As a result, Miss Cole saw her fortune rise from £4million to £10million last year, landing her a spot on the Rich List for musicians aged under 30.
On Saturday she will return to television screens when the judges' houses stage of The X Factor is screened.
Guest list: Former X Factor star Diana Vickers, who was mentored by Cheryl, and actress Donna Air were also at the party
Chunky: Cheryl's new ring Promise, with de Grisogono