Victoria Beckham's Cheryl sympathy

Mar 9, 2010, 9:30 GMT

Victoria Beckham has "so much sympathy" for Cheryl Cole.

The Spice Girls singer - who befriended the Girls Aloud star when her husband David Beckham played on the 2006 England soccer squad alongside Cheryl's spouse Ashley Cole - has offered advice and support as her pal struggles to cope with allegations of Ashley's infidelity.

Victoria said: "I support Cheryl 100 per cent. I have not spoken to her, but I'm always there for her. I'm behind her - I feel for anyone going through a tough time.

"I have so much sympathy for Cheryl. My heart goes out to her - both as a woman and as someone in the media spotlight. I feel for her so much, it's a horrible situation but she's a fantastic, strong woman and she will be fine. David's not a Premiership player now, so I can't relate entirely. But I do sympathise."

Meanwhile, Simon Cowell has also vowed to help the 26-year-old pop star beauty - who he works with on the judging panel of UK TV talent show 'The X Factor' - through her troubles and has praised her for being a "strong girl" and handling the situation well.

He told the Mail Online: "She's a friend and you're always going to be there for friends.

"She's going through a hard time, but you know, she's a strong girl. I've been in touch and I'm there for her."

Discussing whether or not she should divorce the sportsman, Simon added: "You've got to do what feels right for you."

Cheryl is due to have crisis talks with her estranged husband this week for the first time since she announced they were separating on February 23, following claims he had sex with several other women and sent them explicit photo messages.

In 2008, it was also claimed Ashley had cheated on Cheryl and slept with hairdresser Aimee Walton.

The 'Fight for This Love' star didn't wear her wedding rings for eight months after these allegations and also admitted she was disappointed Victoria hadn't been in touch to offer support.