I MUST admit to being quite an admirer of Cheryl Cole.

No, not for her amazing voice, great personal presence, obvious intellect and charismatic star quality – they’re not actually high on the list of descriptions of the pretty Geordie.

What she does do that is quite special, though, is make the most of what she’s got. She’s a canny lass in more ways than one and knows – or has learned – how to carefully create an enduring media presence.

Other performers with far more talent have not enjoyed half her success in the UK (America is another matter and a far harder nut to crack). Now she’s got married to a sexy Frenchman, is back on The X Factor and still managing to bag the headlines.

I’ve never felt she was a great role model for young girls but I was probably wrong. She shows that you don’t have to be the best in your field to be perceived the best. Just a shame it probably only works in the pop world.