There is nothing worse for a guy than to come across his ex-girlfriend's friends.

And Ashley Cole is learning about it the hard way.

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned..or her friends for that matter.

So Ashley Cole must have been in quite a fluster on Saturday when he realised he was sharing the dancefloor with Cheryl's bandmates, and best friends.

The Chelsea soccer player was at the stylish Rose Club in west London when Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh turned up.

The girls were out celebrating Kimberley's friend's Sally's birthday.

Girls Aloud Kimberley Walsh arriving at the London Olympics opening ceremony concert.

Cheryl had decided last minute not to join the twosome on the night out. Sally had booked two tables for the nights celebrations, and the girl group were sitting just three tables away from Cole's gang.

A source said; “Ashley and his friends were already settled by the time the girls arrived in. One of his friends saw them coming in the door and headed straight over to warn him. He knows that Nicola and Kimberley are two of Cheryl's closest friends and that it would not be a good idea for them to cross paths. Fortunately the girls' group were quite tipsy and just concentrating on having a good time.”

Nicola Roberts at the Wireless Music Festival.

Ashley was finally spotted after a couple of the singer's friends saw him returning to the table from the bathroom later. They didn't tell the two Girls Aloud ladies until they left the club at 2:30am.

Smart move- a better night was head for all as a result.