Cheryl Cole and her ex-husband plan a second honeymoon

The couple - who divorced in 2010 after he was revealed to have had a string of affairs - are to take a romantic holiday to South Africa with the blessing of Cheryl`s mother Joan, who is beginning to warm to the idea of them reuniting.

However, the 28-year-old singer`s ex-boyfriend Derek Hough - who dated her following her break-up with Ashley - is said to be upset they are visiting Africa, where he took her twice last year.

However, their trip ended badly as Cheryl caught malaria during the break and was hospitalised with the potentially fatal disease upon her return to the UK.

A source told the Daily Star newspaper: "It`s a kick in the teeth. The poor man has been unceremoniously dumped by Cheryl and now she and Ashley are off to Africa which Derek used to call `their place`."

Initially soccer player Ashley wanted to take her to the Caribbean but Joan intervened, suggesting Africa would be a wiser choice.

The source added: "When he mentioned taking her away to Jamaica, Joan said it was a good idea.

"But she said he would be better off choosing somewhere like South Africa because she knows Cheryl loves the place.

"Joan appears to be warming to Ashley again - for the time being."

Last week, Cheryl headed to Los Angeles with her Girls Aloud bandmate Kimberley Walsh for some time away.

A representative confirmed: "Cheryl is taking some time out as she said on her website last month."

sections: Celebrities