William Hill punters claim on celebrity separation

By Daniel Johnson

The turbulent relationship between Ashley and Cheryl Cole made headlines yet again this week after the couple announced their decision to part company at last. William Hill reported frenzied activity in response to the announcement after several punters were informed that they could claim on their winnings. Those who bet that the famous couple would separate were told that they could claim on their betting slips after Cheryl Cole appeared at the Brits without wearing her wedding ring.

The split arrived in a year plagued by heavy media attention and tabloid speculation. Chelsea's celebrated player, Ashley Cole was accused of conducting a series of illicit affairs with talks of separation already firmly on the table. X factor judge, Cheryl Cole, meanwhile, had revealed that the couple was working hard to rebuild their damaged marriage in an effort to restore their relationship. A recent wave of further allegations, however, put an end to such attempt for good. Neither party was prepared to comment.

Commenting on William Hill's decision, spokesman Rupert Adams noted that the site "sees no reason for punters to hold on to their betting slips if they have backed Ashley and Cheryl to split this year". He added that he considered the split a "done deal" and that the site is "happy to hand over the winnings. Many will now be eager to claim their winnings on the William Hill site after several weeks of gossip and speculation. Others will be keen to monitor the progress of these two glamorous stars in what looks to be one of the most high profile celebrity divorces of the decade.