Has The ‘Nation's Sweetheart' Lost Her Crown?

As she deals with her break-up, Cheryl is hit by a surprising backlash and cynicism over her private life.

- Rebecca Twomey

She was the “nation’s sweetheart” who was idolised by her fans. But with two failed marriages and a string of broken relationships behind her – as well as her increasingly extreme desire for privacy – it appears as though Cheryl’s alienated some of her “Soldiers”.

When she announced her split from Liam Payne on her Twitter feed last week, trolls quickly posted mocking comments underneath her statement, including, “2 marriages down @ CherylOfficial who is the next victim?,” One wrote, “One of your main hits was “fight for this love” yet you’ve never fought for any one of your 20 partners.”

CRUELTY 

The cruelty was in stark contrast to when Cheryl split from first husband Ashley Cole in 2010. At the time, fans posted comments on news stories online, including, “His loss, Cheryl can do a million times better and certainly deserves it!” Another wished her well, saying, “Cheryl is a very strong and capable girl and I wish her [the] best of luck.”

And pals say Cheryl, 35 – who is on the brink of a big comeback as she works on her fifth solo album – is growing concerned about how she’s being perceived by the public.

HUMILIATING