Contemporary enigma - Cheryl Cole as 'National Sweetheart'

She is arguably one of the most famous women in the UK of the last couple of years and, from a little estate in Newcastle, this lady proves that anyone can make it in the fame game, I guess. But without exceeding singing talent that is surely required with the title of 'pop star', how has Cheryl Cole established herself securely as one of the nation's top interests?

How does one reach her level of media and commercial success off the back of just a pretty face?

What intrigues the British public concerning this woman is the chaos that has surrounded her (football marriage/divorce), rather than her talents - this woman is a celebrity figure of hype. She needs media attention in order maintain her position of the popular celebrity - which she will fall from the moment the media turns its back.

Some may not know that Cheryl was a trained ballet dancer which led to her ambition to perform in front of others. A skill she has gained through more than one format. The main example of course, is X Factor - the main reason for her captivated status in the last couple of years. A connection is created between the audience and Cheryl as a mentor as her relationships formed with the contestants and emotions are conveyed so easily on her face. This is the chance we get to bond with Cheryl as a person as she reveals her human side, which has ultimately led to her seemingly unstoppable height of fame currently.

However, everything must come to an end eventually as with fame - it simply does not last. After being offered the job as a judge on USA X Factor, its clear Cheryl's star continues to rise, yet the allegations made against her in 2003 for physically/racially abusing a staff worker in a club may prevent her from being able to accept this offer.

How is it that the same woman named the 'Nation's Sweetheart' began her career in such a negative light? The fact that Cheryl managed to overcome this blow and become such a popular individual celebrity, separate from Girls Aloud - the band that propelled this woman into the media industry, is no doubt impressive.

What do you think this says about the British public supporting such a figure? 

This is why Cheryl Cole remains an enigma to me - I just don't know what this woman is supposed to stand for. The fact that she still addresses herself with the surname of her soon-to-be divorced husband, love-rat Ashley Cole is weird also. Shows how much she depends on herself as a brand rather than as her true person....