Cheryl Cole taken on a surprise holiday

Cheryl Cole has been taken on a surprise holiday by Derek Hough.

The 'Fight for This Love' singer was told to head to London's Heathrow airport, where the dancer – who she has grown increasingly close to since splitting from husband Ashley Cole in February - revealed they were off to Tanzania in Africa.

A source close to the star explained: "It was a complete surprise for Cheryl and she couldn't believe he had gone to so much trouble organising it.

"She was told to take her passport and all would be revealed at the airport. She was delighted at how thoughtful he'd been.

"You can't get more serious than a holiday. It's early days but Cheryl is so happy. She so deserves to find love again."

Derek's stepfather Aaron Nelson, 54, believes the short break will further cement their blossoming romance.

He told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "They are going somewhere very exotic, very picturesque and it will be a nice break for them.

"It will be one of those dream, romantic holidays that you take when you are just starting out on a relationship. Derek is totally in love with that girl and wants to spend as much time as he can with her."

Derek is believed to have picked the east African country after Cheryl told him she fell in love with the area following her charity climb up Mount Kilimanjaro last year