"But they finally spoke and Cheryl made clear there is no going back. The marriage is over and she can't take him back. They spoke calmly and fondly to one another and there was certainly no screaming or shouting."

Cheryl also wants Ashley to stop bombarding her with text messages and telephone calls.

The source added: "Cheryl told Sue it was pointless for Ashley to keep trying to change her mind over whether to split up. He's been calling and texting a lot. But she needs space and she told Sue that."

The 29-year-old sportsman - who is currently in France receiving treatment for his broken ankle - is heartbroken by Cheryl's decision and has now removed his wedding band.

The source explained: "When Sue passed on the message, Ashley was gutted. The wedding ring came off. He's messed up big-time. Now he needs to face up to his actions."

Over the past few weeks, several girls have come forward and claimed to have had sex with Ashley during his three-and-a-half-year marriage to Cheryl, 26.

The Girls Aloud singer is now adamant the split is for good, although she is worried about life on her own.

She told friends: "I'm scared still about being single again after all this time - petrified. I've been with him for so long.

"I know I'm doing the right thing by moving on. Deep down I know it'll be OK."

Cheryl Cole has vowed never to return to her husband Ashley Cole.