Ashley Cole continued to play the attentive husband last night as he whisked his wife Cheryl off for dinner to celebrate her 25th birthday.

The recently reconciled pair, both dressed in grey, headed to Chinese restaurant Wings in Manchester, where they were joined by a small group of family and friends including Cheryl's mother Jo Tweedy and bandmate Nicola Roberts.

Birthday girl: Ashley Cole took his wife Cheryl out for dinner in Manchester last night to celebrate her 25th birthday

The couple arrived hand in hand and while neither were wearing their wedding rings, Cheryl's beaming smile made it clear she's happy to be back by her Ashley's side despite his infidelity.

Earlier that day the new X Factor judge was thrilled to receive a surprise visit from her husband at the Radisson hotel where she is staying.

The couple have been working on their relationship and recently spent the weekend together in Spain's Costa del Sol during a break in filming for the X Factor.

Beaming: The X Factor looked happy to be back in the company of her husband

Guests: Cheryl's bandmate Nicola Roberts and mother Jo Tweedy also attended the celebration

The 25-year-old was unveiled as Sharon Osbourne's replacement on the hit ITV show recently and has been working hard in the lengthy auditions.

Since revelations emerged that her Premiership footballer husband cheated on her with a hairdresser, Cheryl is believed to have dropped two dress sizes.

The singer signed a reported £500,000 deal to replace outgoing judge Sharon Osbourne on the ITV talent show, joining fellow judges Louis Walsh, Simon Cowell and Dannii Minogue.

Ashley is said to be upset about Cheryl's decision to take on the X Factor job and frustrated about the timing of the show, as it means he'll have to scrap his summer holiday plans with her.

Surprise: Earlier in the day, Ashley appeared at the Raddison hotel

Enlarge 

Sweet: Cheryl received customised cake featured a make-up kit and matching handbag