LONDON (AP) – British singer and TV personality Cheryl Cole says she is separating from her husband, football player Ashley Cole. The 26-year-old Girls Aloud pop singer is a judge for the British reality talent show 'The X Factor' along with Simon Cowell. She asked the media to respect her privacy "during this difficult time" in a statement issued by her publicist. Ashley Cole plays left back for Chelsea and England's national team.

British media had speculated the marriage was in trouble after tabloids published front-page stories reportedly linking Ashley Cole to other women.

Cheryl Cole's song 'Fight for This Love' was nominated for a 2010 Brit award.