CHERYL: "I'M NOT READY TO START A FAMILY - YET"

This is from the Newcastle Evening Chronicle:

Pop star Cheryl Cole revealed today she would love to start a family with footballing hubby Ashley.

But the Girls Aloud singer admitted their careers meant neither could commit to a baby at present.

"I would really love to have children, I do get the urges," she told the Chronicle. "But I don't think either of us are ready in our careers just yet to start a family. Not just yet - maybe in a couple of years."

She did admit, though, she was settling well into married life, having wed the Chelsea star last summer.

"Married life is fantastic. I really, really love him," said Cheryl, 23, originally from Heaton. "I'm a proper little housewife! I feel really settled with myself now.

"But I don't feel like a wife, and when he calls me his wife, it always sounds a bit strange."

Cheryl is gearing up for Girls Aloud's biggest tour to date, which starts at Newcastle's Metro Radio Arena on May 14, with a second date there on May 18.

"I don't think I am going to be able to control myself. I'm a bit worried because twice now when we've played in Newcastle I've said to the girls I'll be fine and as soon as I start talking I start getting all emotional. It might be a bit overwhelming," she said.

"I'll be staying at home for four days, so I can't wait. I haven't been since Christmas, so I'll be able to see my family and I'll be in a better frame of mind as it's not like they'll be seeing me for the first time when I'm on stage, it will be normal."

Cheryl does see her mother Joan these days more than she has ever done since finding fame in Girls Aloud.

"She's down here a lot with me as I'm so busy and Ashley's so busy, and we've got two chihuahuas and quite a big house, so she looks after that when we're away.

"So she'll be down here for a couple of weeks and then back home for a few and then back down here. I see a lot more of her, which I'm really happy about.

Cheryl also put paid to rumours the group are set to split after the tour. "We've been answering this question now for four years and the same paper has printed that story every year. I can categorically say that story was untrue. We are actually in the studio recording."

* Girls Aloud are at the Metro Radio Arena on May 14 and 18.

* Don't miss more of Gordon Barr's exclusive interview with Cheryl in Friday's Chronicle.