Is fuller-faced Cheryl Cole carrying a little extra weight as she flies out to Los Angeles hot on the heels of Derek Hough?

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Coy smile: A fuller-faced Cheryl Cole seen arriving at London's Heathrow Airport today to to catch a flight to Los Angeles


The are-they-aren't-they love story between Cheryl Cole and Derek Hough shows no sign of concluding just yet after the Girls Aloud star flew out to Los Angeles - a mere 24 hours after her supposed beau.

The glowing star was also looking truly back to health following her malaria ordeal last year, and has a fuller-faced look to match her early days in Girls Aloud, perhaps due to the addition of a few pounds.

Looking casual but stylish in mushroom-coloured jeans which were perhaps a little too tight, a chocolate brown belted shirt-style coat and matching lace-up high-heeled ankle boots, the singer bore a coy smile on her face as she went to board her flight.


Dimples: The Girls Aloud beauty looked back to her happy and healthy best as she walked through departures


Dancer Hough, 25, had flown to Britain last week as a romantic surprise for the 27-year-old X Factor judge - but it appeared his ploy hadn't gone according to plan when he was seen returning just five days later looking exceedingly glum.

Rumours at the time said Derek had issued the Promise This star with an ultimatum before he left, asking her to choose between him and her ex-husband, Ashley Cole, who she's said still to be holding a torch for.

But now Cheryl has followed almost immediately in his footsteps and boarded a flight from London's Heathrow to LAX.

It's just the latest twist in the pair's courtship, which they've never confirmed or denied, though both parties have left heavy hints that they are in fact in a relationship.


Healthy: The 27-year-old X Factor judge looked extremely youthful


Glossy: The star was a vision in shades of beige and brown with a chestnut leather belt to match her shiny tresses


As well as seeing Hough, Cheryl's American trip could also include meetings with U.S. X Factor bosses.

Simon Cowell and co are thought to be only a week or two away from announcing the line-up of the judging panel - and it's believed the Geordie star will be in one of the coveted chairs.


Thick and thin? Cheryl, pictured in August last year in Los Angeles, appears to have put on some pounds, to look more like she did when she started in Girls Aloud, right, in 2003
Cheryl's spokesman however insisted to Mail Online that the trip was simply concerning her solo career.


He said: 'Yes, she's going to LA, but she's going out there to work on some music.'

Cheryl may also be hooking up with friend and collaborator, Black Eyed Pea star Will.I.Am, who is also based in the city.

source: dailymail