Cheryl & Derek's New Year kiss

Can we finally declare Cheryl Cole and Derek Hough an item?

The pair have shared a public kiss on New Year's Eve during their romantic break in South Africa.

Cheryl has always refused to confirm whether she is dating the despite constantly being linked to him.

A source told the Sunday Mirror newspaper: "Cheryl and Derek are together and don't care who knows it. She wanted to spend New Year's Eve with Derek because she sees her future with him. 2010 was the worst year of Cheryl's life. But now she is looking forward to happier times with Derek."

Cheryl and Derek flew to Cape Town on Wednesday (29.12.10) only months after Cheryl contracted malaria during a trip to Tanzania with Derek.

However, the dancer is said to have done his homework this time - checking that the Cape Town mosquitos don't carry malaria.

2010 also saw Cheryl divorce England footballer Ashley Cole. 2011 could see Cheryl move to LA and become a judge on the US version of The X-Factor.