Cheryl Cole and Derek Hough seal love with first public kiss

Cheryl Cole and Derek Hough sealed their love for each other yesterday with a ­romantic New Year’s stroll on a ­sun-drenched beach. The X Factor judge looked carefree and relaxed as she walked with ­American dancer Derek – who she had treated to a week-long getaway to South Africa.

Under a clear bue sky the couple laughed and joked as Cheryl waved goodbye to a ­nightmare year in which she divorced cheating husband Ashley Cole and nearly died from ­malaria.

Cheryl, 27, started 2011 by sharing a passionate kiss with Derek, 25, in front of hundreds of guests at a lavish New Year’s Eve party – their first public display of their love.

They toasted each other with ­champagne as the midnight countdown begun. And as the clock struck 12, they danced to Pink’s party anthem Raise Your Glass before smooching their way into the New Year.

The kiss – at a lavish house party just outside Cape Town – proved once and for all that the pair ARE an item after months of ­speculation.

Last night a source close to the couple said: “Cheryl and Derek are together and don’t care who knows it.

“She wanted to spend New Year’s Eve with Derek ­because she sees her future with him. 2010 was the worst year of Cheryl’s life. But now she is looking ­forward to happier times with Derek.”

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