CHERYL Cole didn`t want to divorce hubby Ashley, according to Black Eyed Peas star pal Fergie. The chart-topper, 28, has raised eyebrows by reuniting with her love-rat ex in recent weeks. And while Fergie admits she never expected Cheryl to get back together with Cole, 30, following their split in May 2010, she is encouraging the singer to "go for it". Fergie said: "Ashley really hurt her and I couldn`t see her at the time ever taking him back. But she needs to follow her own heart. "It`s easy for people to say she`s crazy taking him back, but life isn`t as simple as that. "If the love is still there and she truly believes he`s changed then she should go for it if that`s what she wants. "It doesn`t matter what family, friends or her management team say, it`s her life and her decision. "She really loved him and didn`t want to get divorced, she just felt she had no choice." According to Fergie - who met Cheryl through bandmate Will.I.Am two years ago - the former X Factor judge will now take full control of her relationship, She said: "The next chance will be Ashley`s last chance, there`s no doubt about that. "Cheryl`s a lot stronger than she was two years ago. The relationship will be on her terms. It will be her who wears the trousers this time, and he won`t be able to put a foot wrong." Fergie continued: "She`s a very traditional girl at heart, and wants kids and to grow old with somebody. "She is really strong now and if she decided to give him another chance, he`s going to have to be the perfect husband because she wants to be the perfect wife and mother."