Cole 'dating her hair extension technician'

Cheryl Cole is reportedly dating her hair extension technician.

The 'Promise This' singer - who divorced England and Chelsea soccer player Ashley Cole last September amid allegations of his multiple infidelities after four years of marriage - enjoyed a low-key date with the mystery man at the Thai 18 eatery near her rented home in Hadley Wood, North London.

A source said: "They have a very special bond. Cheryl loves being around him and there is a definite connection there."

Meanwhile, staff at the restaurant admitted the new couple - who were joined by Cole's mum Joan Callaghan - looked "very happy" together, with the 27-year-old beauty spending the evening "roaring with laughter".

A waiter added to Britain's News of the World newspaper: "They looked so happy together. We recognised Cheryl but wanted to leave her alone. She was sitting across from her male friend and was roaring with laughter the whole night."

However, the news of Cole's romantic connection with her new man has not been welcomed by 'Dancing with the Stars' champion Derek Hough, who was previously rumoured to be dating the star.

The insider explained: "For a long time he's been the only person Cheryl has wanted to do anything with - he hasn't had any competition. But it was a very different Cheryl last week.

"There's going to be an element of jealousy."