Cheryl Cole may have been celebrating after her successful (but mostly mimed) X Factor performance but clearly not even her military style jacket, see-through top and almost-trousers could entice her husband backstage.

While Cheryl's Girls Aloud bandmates Sarah Harding, Kimberley Walsh and Nicola Roberts were all there to toast their friend on her first solo outing, Ashley, who was swiftly spotted by the TV cameras during the show, was notably absent from the celebrations.

A source told the Daily Star: "When Ashley left it certainly raised a few eyebrows. You would think a husband would stay to celebrate with his missus.

"Ashley was eager to be in the audience and of course the cameras zoomed in on him sitting in the crowd smiling. But after that he did a disappearing act. He didn't hang around."

The insider added: "Thank God Sarah, Kimberley and Nicola were there otherwise she would have been celebrating on her own. It's a bit odd Ashley didn't stay until the end."

Well, we think so too but apparently some sources are suggesting that Ashley was forced to leave early due to football training the following day.

Mrs Cole's performance of debut solo single 'Fight For This Love' on Sunday's show was largely well-received with even Simon Cowell praising her in no uncertain terms.

Whether Ashley agrees with the sentiments of his wife's song we're beginning to wonder.

Cheryl's music may not be to everyone's taste, but she's certainly among the top reality TV earners...