Ashley's Aloud to join Girls night out

Unless you've been living on the dark side of the moon for the past couple of years, you'll know that Chelsea star Ashley Cole has been in the doghouse with his stunning wife Cheryl.

The pair have been seen only a handful of times since it emerged that he had cheated on the Girls Aloud singer almost two years ago.

Drink and a laugh: Ashley and Cheryl Cole with Nicola Roberts

We have been keenly watching Cheryl's appearances on The X Factor — and her disappearing and reappearing wedding ring, which has sparked speculation that their marriage may still be under strain.

But last night the 26-year-old was obviously in a more forgiving mood, as she took her hubby along on a girls' night out at The May Fair Hotel.

The Coles were spotted enjoying a night out together with Girls Aloud bandmate Nicola Roberts.

Military outfit: Cheryl on stage at the Royal Albert Hall

Earlier in the evening, Ash dutifully watched his wife perform her single Fight For This Love at the Children In Need concert held at the Royal Albert Hall.

Dressed in a white military outfit accompanied by dancers, Cheryl wowed the audience with her performance and then sang alongside Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody for the band's hit Set Fire To The Third Bar.

Ash, Cheryl, Nicola and her boyfriend Charlie Fennell then headed off to the May Fair for drinks at the bar.

Oh, and the £160,000 wedding rock — not joining her on stage at the Royal Albert Hall — was back in position on her wedding finger as she went to The May Fair.

Our spy said: "They were all sat around the table having a really good time. They were drinking and appeared relaxed as they laughed and joked."

But the drinking, and especially the laughing, ended this morning as the Coles headed for home. Their smiles had definitely turned upside down as they sat together in the back of their car.

Although, in Cheryl's case, her fixed expression probably had something to do with her "Croydon facelift" severe ponytail.