Cheryl Cole seeks 'quickie' divorce

The 26-year-old X Factor judge cited "unreasonable behaviour" as the reason for the break-up in papers filed at the High Court in London on Tuesday, it was said.

She will let Chelsea soccer star Cole keep their 6m mansion in Surrey as part of the deal, according to The Sun.

Their split was announced in February after claims that the left-back had been unfaithful during the couple's three-and-a-half-year marriage.

Cheryl, who topped the charts with Fight For This Love, stuck by Ashley after allegations of his infidelity surfaced two years ago.

But further claims that his mobile phone had been used to send saucy photos to a glamour model and indulge in "text sex", plus further kiss-and-tell stories, appeared to have been too much of a strain on the relationship.

The divorce is expected to go through before Ashley features in the England team during the World Cup in South Africa.