Cheryl Cole reunites with ex-husband

Cheryl Cole reunited with her ex-husband Ashley Cole at her birthday bash on Friday night.

The 28-year-old star - who divorced the England and Chelsea soccer ace in September 2010 amid allegations of multiple affairs on his behalf - spent the evening partying at London's exclusive Sanderson Hotel, allowing the beauty to forget her career troubles after being axed from the US X Factor.

A close friend of Cheryl's said: "That evening they realised how much chemistry they still have and how much they mean to each other. Cheryl wanted Ashley at the party to share her special night.

"It's a liberating time for her - without The X Factor she can be herself. Besides, she figured that since people were talking about her and Ashley being together again, she had nothing to hide.

"Ashley and Cheryl looked really happy. It was obvious they were close."

However, the reported reconciliation is said to have made Cheryl question whether they should have ever have got divorced in the first place.

The friend added to the News of the World newspaper: "Cheryl couldn't have looked happier when she was in Ashley's arms. It was just a small party for those closest to her. There were only around 40 there. Cheryl only had eyes for one man. They looked so in love.

"Cheryl now wishes they'd just separated. She's madly in love with her ex-husband and she's the happiest she's been for a long time. They both want to make this work. Finally their friends and family accept them, they just want the public to accept it now."

- BANG! Showbiz