Cheryl Fernandez-Versini urges women to empower each other

Cheryl Fernandez-Versini has opened up to her critics in a poignant statement on social media. The singer has recently come under attack after going public with her new romance with One Direction singer Liam Payne, who is ten years her junior.

In the message to her 2.3million followers, the former Girls Aloud singer expresses her dismay at the tendency of some women to be rivals instead of empowering one another. Speaking from the heart she writes: "Girls compete with each other, women empower one another. It can be so hard at times being a girl, for sooo many reasons! But we don't have to make it harder for each other.. Why do we still feel the need to do that ??

"I don't understand it," she continues. "I have always been a Girls girl, and love other strong women. That is why I surround myself with them, and that is why I try to empower others.

"'Trying to pull another person down, only speaks volumes about your character.! And not a thing about theirs.. There's nothing more powerful or beautiful than an inspiring, strong women that you can look up to or turn to... Be one!!!" she concluded.

The message seemed to have hit home to her followers, and has been liked over 26,000 times. After pouring out her heart, by Friday, she was back to her usual happy self and posted a smiling selfie. She added that the photo was "just a simple selfie Btw... My posts are not ever intended to be "cryptic" or hold "hidden message".

"If they're quotes then they're usual on general topics I care about and not about any personal situation I may be experiencing at the time. Not my style."

Romance reportedly blossomed between the two in December, and the pair have been teasing fans about their relationship with posts on Twitter ever since. After being spotted shopping together in Tesco, the couple are thought to have moved in together. The pair were seen looking cozy at Crockfords casino in London's Mayfair on Saturday night and Liam Payne put an end to the speculation after posting a gushing message on Instagram, professing his love to his new girlfriend. Posting an image of her on 8 March, the 22-year-old singer made the public declaration writing: "Happy #internationalwomensday to my favourite woman in the world hope I make you as happy as u make me X."

On Wednesday (9 March) night, the loved-up couple made a second public appearance together, holding hands as they set off on a romantic dinner date. The 32-year-old former Girls Aloud singer and the One Direction star, 22, held hands as they put on their first public display of affection since announcing they were officially a couple. And hinting at all the love in the air, Cheryl wore an oversized necklace spelling out her mood in case there was still any doubt.

After facing heartbreak following the breakdown of her marriage to Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini, Cheryl has another chance at love and it seems she's hoping that instead of hating on her , her fans will be happy for her.