[Red Moon]

Pictured: The amazing transformation of Cheryl Cole from working class convict to A-list celebrity

Since Cheryl Cole catapulted to fame as an X Factor Judge earlier this year, it seems the whole nation has fallen under her spell.

Groomed-to-perfection, the Girls Aloud star has attracted an army of fans, a premiership football husband, and a career that's going from strength to strength.

But it wasn't always the case.

In just five short years, Cheryl has gone from the nation's nightmare to its sweetheart, as she swapped her former tough 'chav' look, for a sleek groomed persona which regularly graces the covers of celebrity magazine.

And its rumoured, the 25-year-old is even in line for the ultimate accolade, the cover of British Vogue.

In 2003, it was a very different Cheryl that was seen leaving a Guildford court, during her high-profile trial.

Rounder in face, sullen-looking, wearing unflattering tight jeans, and an ill-fitting jacket and shirt combination, this is Cheryl prior to the rough edges being smoothed off her.

In January of that year, soon after she won a coveted spot in group Girls Aloud on show Popstars: The Rivals, the young Geordie lass had a well-publicised brush with the law when she assaulted a nightclub lavatory attendant in a Guildford nightclub.

A jury decided the attack was not racially motivated, but she was convicted of actual bodily harm and ordered to pay out £3,500 and carry out 120 hours' community service.

However, the judge Richard Howarth described what happened as an 'unpleasant piece of drunken violence' and was astonished to note that the star - a role model to thousands of young women - had 'shown no remorse whatsoever'.

But today, following her 2006 marriage to millionaire footballer Ashley Cole, continued success in Britain's top girl-band, and a carefully organised image overhaul for her new solo role as an X Factor judge.

This new look super-sleek Cheryl is a very different breed to the girl that punched the lavatory attendant in the face.

With a stylist, brand new designer wardrobe and beauty regime, Cheryl was seen last night arriving at top London restaurant Nobu looking every inch the highly-groomed pop star, and now appears to have transcended her humble roots.

Her short fine hair is now long and glossy thanks to hair extensions, and she has a year round tan thanks to glamorous holidays abroad and fake tan.

In September, Cheryl's spokesperson admitted she had worn an invisible brace on her teeth 'for a while a year or two ago'.

Cheryl grew up as one of five children on a heroin-ravaged estate in Newcastle.

But while she went on to achieve success and fame, her brother Andrew quickly found trouble and has clocked up an appalling record of more than 50 court appearances, many for alcohol-induced violence and thuggery.

The singer is said to be 'crippled by worry' about her older brother Andrew, 28, and has been spotted making covert jail visits as he served time for a brutal robbery.

But now it seems the girl from the estate look has gone, and in its place, a style icon whose fame continues to gather pace.

Source and Pictures: Daily Mail