Cheryl Cole comforted by Derek Hough

Cheryl Cole was consoled by rumoured boyfriend Derek Hough in a Los Angeles hotel as her divorce from Ashley Cole was being granted 5,500 miles away in London.

Cheryl Cole was joined by Derek Hough as her divorce was finalised.

The 'Fight For This Love' singer – whose marriage to soccer player Ashley Cole was dissolved in just 60 seconds at London's High Court on Friday (03.09.10) – was looked after by rumoured boyfriend Derek at the Sunset Marquis hotel in Los Angeles as it happened.

A source close to the singer said: "Derek has been a tower of strength and he wanted to be with her at such an emotional time."

However, friends say that despite moving on with 'Dancing with the Stars' favourite Derek, Cheryl is struggling to cope with the end of her marriage.

A friend told the Daily Mirror: "Emotions don't disappear overnight. It was complicated. Cheryl is terribly saddened and upset over the end of her marriage."

27-year-old Cheryl - who split from Ashley in February amid claims he had been unfaithful with a string of women – is coming to terms with being a divorcee at such a young age.

The friend continued: "When she exchanged her vows, she did so for life. She never thought it would end in such tragic circumstances."