""Happier than ever" after secretly marrying her French boyfriend" - Nicola

Former Girls Aloud band-mate Nicola Roberts has defended her friend's decision to marry her boyfriend after just three months. Cole announced on Monday that she and French restaurateur Jean-Bernard

Fernandez-Versini had tied the knot in a small, private ceremony on the Caribbean island of Mustique.

Cherly Cole, 31, posted a photo on Twitter revealing the news, alongside a photo of her engagement and wedding rings.

The singer has been criticised by some on social media for heading down the aisle so quickly but Roberts said the newlywed is "happier than ever".

Cheryl and Jean-Bernard pictured in London in May

She also posted a message on Instagram which read: "You can be in a relationship for two years and feel nothing; you can be in a relationship for two months and feel everything.

"Time is not a measure of quality; of infatuation, or of love."

There has been speculation that Cole may be pregnant but her agent has told Sky News that this is untrue.

The X Factor judge has kept her ex-husband Ashley Cole's surname since they divorced in 2010 but on Monday night changed her Twitter handle from @cherylcole to @cherylofficial.

Cole shared this image of her rings. Pic: cherylcole.com

Cole also posted a message saying: "Thank you for all your kind messages and well wishes."

She has not officially confirmed whether she will become Mrs Fernandez-Versini.