Cheryl Ann Cole (born 30 June 1983) is an English singer, songwriter, dancer, fashion designer, author, and television personality. Cole rose to fame in the 2000s after becoming a member of pop group Girls Aloud through ITV's reality television programme Popstars: The Rivals. They have become one of the few UK reality television acts to achieve continued success, amassing a fortune of £25 million by May 2009. With Girls Aloud, Cole has been successful in achieving a string of 20 consecutive UK top ten singles (including four number ones), two UK number one albums, and received nominations for four BRIT Awards, winning Best Single in 2009 for "The Promise". In 2008, Cole became a judge on the British reality television show The X Factor. Cole's first solo single, "Fight For This Love", was the fastest-selling single of 2009 when it entered the UK Singles Chart and Irish Singles Chart at number one. Her debut solo album 3 Words achieved similar success. Cole has become recognized as a style icon, appearing on the cover of British Vogue and Elle. She is married to the Chelsea and England football player Ashley Cole.