Girls Aloud: 'Brit ends split questions'

Cheryl Cole has claimed that Girls Aloud's win at last night's Brit Awards has dispelled rumours that the group has split up.

The singer and X Factor judge described the band's best single victory for 'The Promise' as "a bit surreal".

Girls Aloud beat off competition from Adele, Alexandra Burke, Coldplay and others to win the award that was chosen by the public.

Regarding rumours of a possible break-up, Cole said: "We have just won a Brit voted for by the public, and us being here shuts that question up."

Reports emerged that bandmate Kimberly Walsh needed an emergency massage after hurting her foot during a closed-set rehearsal, but she returned for a performance of the group's winning song.

Before the event, Rochelle Wiseman of rival girl group The Saturdays told DS that she hoped Girls Aloud would win the best single prize.