Cheryl Cole seeks 'quickie' divorce from Ashley

Cheryl Cole has filed for a "quickie" divorce from her footballer husband Ashley, sources close to the singer confirmed today.

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 yesterday, it was said.

She will let Chelsea soccer star Cole keep their £6 million 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 this summer.

He has recently returned to the squad after overcoming an injury during Chelsea's title-winning season.

Girls Aloud singer Cheryl had spoken in interviews about one day wanting to start a family with her husband.

The marriage looked rocky after just 18 months. Two women sold stories about how they had become involved with the footballer.

But the couple, whose wedding was featured in an exclusive deal with OK! magazine, appeared to overcome any problems the stories may have caused.

Video: Cheryl Cole begins divorce action

And Cheryl's career hit new heights thanks to her starring role on the judging panel for ITV1's The X Factor. Her solo pop career also flourished with the release of her debut album, 3 Words.

She is said to have told her husband the marriage was over by text message.

Before the divorce was announced, publicist Max Clifford described the public nature of the revelations as "incredibly painful but also incredibly humiliating" for Cheryl.