Cheryl Cole and Derek Hough have jetted off for a holiday in Tanzania together, according to reports.

The pair flew out to the East African country from Heathrow on Tuesday evening after Hough organised the trip as a surprise for the X Factor judge, The Mirror claims.

Cole and Hough have been repeatedly linked in the media following Cheryl's split from England footballer Ashley earlier in the year.

Speaking of the pair's getaway, Hough's stepfather Aaron Nelson commented: "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."

A source added: "You can't get any more serious than going on holiday together. It's early days but Cheryl is so happy. She so deserves to find love again."

Cole is expected to return to the UK in time for more X Factor audition filming next week.

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Daniel has been writing about soaps on Digital Spy since 2004 and took over as Soaps Editor in 2010.  
He has interviewed hundreds of soap stars over the years, from Bill Roache to Lacey Turner, and regularly visits the sets of Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks for behind-the-scenes trips and press events.  
He has served as an awards judge on numerous occasions for the likes of the BAFTA TV Awards, RTS Programme Awards and British Soap Awards. In 2020, he was Highly Commended for Best Section Editor at the BSME Awards.