Number One girl Cheryl Cole celebrates topping charts

Cheryl Cole spectacularly wrong footed doubters who criticised her for miming parts of her X Factor appearance – by shooting to the top of the charts.

The Geordie lass has sold 292,846 copies of Fight For This Love, making it the biggest-selling single of the year so far.

Overjoyed Cheryl - who shot to fame as part of the pop group Girls Aloud - said: "I'm just getting over the fact I have recorded my solo record and now it's number one.

"I can't take this all in. It's hard for me to put into words how I feel.

"I have this permanent smile on my face."

The smile still hadn't left the talent show judge's face when she made a triumphant appearance on the programme on Sunday night, wearing a racy low-cut snake-print mini dress.