Cheryl and Ashley Cole married in 2006

    Cheryl and Ashley Cole bond over baby news

         The former couple are thrilled that Ashley has a gorgeous new niece

Cheryl Cole and ex-husband Ashleysecretly met up in London early in May, reveals Now's insider, and again last Tuesday for a private dinner with friends including Sarah Harding andKimberley Walsh.

Broody Cheryl, 27, was touched whenAshley, 30, called her in LA to tell her he'd become an uncle - his brother Mattyand girlfriend Lisa have had a baby girlLivia.

Cheryl's close to Lisa and sent gifts of clothing, flowers and pampering goodies.

‘Her arrival's brought Cheryl and Ashleycloser,' says a pal.

‘They now talk on the phone for up to three hours every day. He's now her most trusted confidante.

'Since she was axed from the US X Factor, he really has become her rock.'

A close friend tells Now: ‘They've agreed to have dinner later this month and he offered to cook.

'Right now he's the only one she's talking to and he's trying everything that he can to coax her back into his arms.'

Read the full story about Cheryl and Ashley Cole in Now magazine dated 13 June - out now!!