With reports suggesting that Girls Aloud are about to split up, the group have issued a statement reassuring their fans that they are not calling it a day.

Rumours have been flying around in the past few months that the girls were going their separate ways, as they have all announced their own projects outside of the band.

But fans have nothing to fear, Girls Aloud say: "We've decided to write this note together, because we want to set the record straight about what is happening in our world."

"Over the next 12 months we're all going to be involved in lots of different things - music, TV, fashion and more. Sometimes it may be a solo project - something just a couple of us and sometimes all five of us together."

"We are definitely NOT splitting up. In fact we have all signed a new contract to Fascination / Polydor Records guaranteeing that we will release at least another three Girls Aloud album - minimum."

"We will definitely all be going into the studio next year to record - and there will definitely be a new Girls Aloud album in 2010."

"For the rest of the year - you'll have to wait and see, but it will be full of surprises - we promise!"

Cheryl has recorded several new tracks for her new album, NOW can reveal. With the Girls Aloud tour over, she's expected to finish the rest this month, with a release date planned for later this summer. !!!!!

While Cheryl Cole was on her last holiday - climbing Mount Kilimanaro in aid of Comic Relief - her husband was fined by police and locked up overnight for being drunk and disorderly.
Today 25-year-old Cheryl was taking no chances, taking Ashley with her for a break in the south of France.
The two arrived at Heathrow Airport this afternoon for their flight hand-in-hand, with Ashley clutching their passports.
Holiday time: Ashley and Cheryl Cole arrive at Heathrow Airport for their flight to the south of France

A casually dressed Cheryl looked ready for the sunshine in a floral maxi-skirt and oversized sunglasses. She carried a bag from upmarket swimwear designer Melissa Odabash, whose bikini's sell for around £130.
Luckily for Cheryl, despite her multi-million pound fortune, the contents of the bag appeared to be a gift from the designer - bearing a tag marked 'complimentary' with the Newcastle address of Cheryl's agent.
What's inside remains to be seen, but with the ever-present paparazzi on her trail it seems likely that toned Cheryl will soon be spotted modelling some of the designs.
The couple have been incredibly busy in recent weeks, with Cheryl working on the X Factor auditions and touring with Girls Aloud while Chelsea footballer Ashley has been helping his team to victory in the FA Cup.
Last night defender Cole was part of the England team which beat Andorra 6-0 at Wembley in the World Cup qualifiers.

But with the end of the footballing season and a gap in Cheryl's hectic schedule the two are heading away for a much-needed break - ahead of their third wedding anniversary next month.

Come along now: Ashley carries the passports as he lead Cheryl by the hand

There will perhaps also be time to discuss Cole's exploits in April. Cheryl had already forgiven the 28-year-old after hairdresser Aimee Walton claimed she had slept with him in January last year.
There were rumours he and Cheryl were about to split, fuelled when she went on holiday without him.

However, the couple made the peace and decided to stay together.
'It was horrendous,' Cheryl told Vogue magazine. 'But look, Ashley's young and he's got a young mentality - for his age anyway.'