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Ashley Cole dates Cheryl-alike stripper

Love rat Ashley Cole has been dating a Cheryl-lookalike stripper for the past five weeks, it was revealed yesterday.

The Chelsea footballer met 23-year-old Sarah Purnell at a West London nightclub on a night out with his footie mates, where  she joined him in the VIP area.

According to a source, the brunette was unimpressed by Ashley's celebrity status and he had to do 'all the running to  even impress her'. But  reports claim that they have been in touch every day since their meeting and Sarah has already stayed over at Ahley's bachelor pad in Esher, Surrey.

A friend of Sarah's told the News of the World: "Things are definitely heating up. Sarah is absolutely over the moon about their relationship but has been very secretive about it and hardly told a soul.

"She spent the first night at his and it was all very romantic. Ashley was a perfect gentleman and treated her like a princess. He's been the complete opposite of the man everybody thinks they know.

"Ashley has not done anything sleazy at all and has been extremely charming with her. He seems to really care for Sarah."

However, Sarah, who's slid poles at infamous nightclub chain Spearmint Rhino's in London and Birmingham, is said to be aware that Cheryl's estranged husband is far from over his soon-to-be ex-wife. The lovebirds are both well aware that Sarah is a dead ringer for the Girls Aloud star, not at least because apparently Ashley keeps telling her!

Her pal said: 'He told her she looks the spitting image of Cheryl but she's getting used to that. Most people tell her she resembles Cheryl but Sarah is definitely her own person. She's no wannabe.'

Yesterday the NOTW revealed that Sarah spent the night before Ashley jetted off to South Africa at his flat for a 'special send-off' and the lovers are planning to meet again when he returns from his World Cup duties.

Sarah, who has been comforting the 29-year-old, is hoping to spend more 'quality time' with the footballer on a romantic getaway.

"They've mentioned going away on a romantic holiday because Ashley has had a really hard year. He is facing the prospect of this divorce and Sarah knows he's still hurting about all that.

"He has been very low since spliting with Cheryl and Sarah has been there for him. She knows he's on the rebound and nothing is certain yet... but so far so good."

Funnily enough, Sarah, who is said to have ambitions to become a singer, has previously applied for the X Factor when Cheryl was a judge on the show, but never actually auditioned.

Somehow we doubt she'd make it through...