After months of speculation surrounding the relationship between Cheryl Cole and dancer Derek Hough, she has finally spoken out.

In extracts released from the singer's new book, Through My Eyes, the 27-year-old writes: "Derek is a sweetheart - the kind of person who makes the day more enjoyable... and that's important."

The X Factor judge also writes about how her mother, Joan Callaghan, was her rock whilst she was ill with malaria over the summer.

"Nothing ever bothers her. She's actually the most grounded person; like she's got a shield around her and things go straight over her head," she said.

Cheryl is currently building up to the release of her second album, Messy Little Raindrops, in November as well as preparing for the X Factor live shows later in the year.