Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini says estranged wife Cheryl is a 'great girl'

Cheryl and Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini separated in October,

Cheryl's estranged husband Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini has opened up about the couple's failed marriage. The former Girls Aloud member recently split with the French businessman, after tying knot in a secret ceremony in the Caribbean on 7 July 2014, after dating for three months.

The 35-year-old restaurateur and Cheryl separated in October 2015, however, the two are yet to finalise their divorce. He told the Mirror: "It's been a tough year, I'm trying to move on. I'll never think badly of her. She is a great girl. I'm still a married man, but there is someone else."

"I fell in love, what could I do? I didn't know Cheryl was famous when I met her. I was having a party at my house in South Africa and she turned up, but I didn't know who she was. I always go for very beautiful women," he added.

Cheryl has moved on in her love life and is dating One Direction singer Liam Payne. The History singer first met the 32-year-old Crazy, Stupid, Love singer when he was auditioning for the ITV talent show, X Factor. Rumours that the pair are romantically involved started after Payne got a rose tattoo on his hand, similar to the rose tattoo on Cheryl's bottom.

Meanwhile, Payne's cousin Ross Harris, insisted that the couple might settle down soon. He told Britain's New magazine: "I don't think their relationship is for publicity just because they've been seen holding hands and going to restaurants - unless they're having fun with the media and fooling everyone, which would actually be quite funny. I suppose only time will tell. They'll probably be married in a few weeks; it's that kind of vibe."