Music mogul Simon Cowell has been comforting singer Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, who is splitting from husband Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini after 18 months of marriage.

"Sadly, no one here is surprised to hear this news. Jean-Bernard never came down this year and we knew a split was on the cards. Simon and Cheryl have spent a lot of time together since the live shows started," a source told mirror.co.uk.

"He's been offering words of comfort. He cares for her a great deal and has been in contact even while on holiday to make sure she is coping,` the source added.