Ashley 'blames Cheryl's career for split'

Ashley Cole has blamed estranged wife Cheryl's busy career for their marriage split, according to a report today.

It was announced earlier this week that the X Factor judge had dumped the footballer following fresh allegations that he had been unfaithful.

However, The Mirror reports that Cheryl arrived back home from Los Angeles on Tuesday to find a note from Ashley in which he attempted to 'justify his actions'.

A source told the newspaper: "Cheryl is hurt and confused. One minute Ashley is grovelling and apologising for his betrayals and the next he is blaming her career for the split.

"Cheryl has been told Ashley strayed because he felt so alone. While she was off working on X Factor or with Girls Aloud, he was either at home alone - or in a hotel room having to entertain himself during away trips with Chelsea.

"But he also apologised profusely and begged for forgiveness and left her a belated Valentine's Day present which included some jewellery."

Cheryl has been tipped to speak publicly about the break-up in a forthcoming TV interview with Jonathan Ross which was booked before the split.

> Ian Wright: 'Maybe Cheryl is at fault'