<p><br /> After months of speculation surrounding the relationship between Cheryl Cole and dancer Derek Hough, she has finally spoken out.<br /> </p><p><br /> In extracts released from the singer's new book, Through My Eyes, the 27-year-old writes: "Derek is a sweetheart - the kind of person who makes the day more enjoyable... and that's important."<br /> </p><p><br /> The X Factor judge also writes about how her mother, Joan Callaghan, was her rock whilst she was ill with malaria over the summer.<br /> </p><p><br /> "Nothing ever bothers her. She's actually the most grounded person; like she's got a shield around her and things go straight over her head," she said.<br /> </p><p><br /> Cheryl is currently building up to the release of her second album, Messy Little Raindrops, in November as well as preparing for the X Factor live shows later in the year.<br /> </p>
