Cher Lloyd confirms split from husband Craig Monk after 13 years of marriage

Cher Lloyd has confirmed that she has separated from her husband, Craig Monk, after 13 years of marriage, ending weeks of speculation about the couple's relationship.

The singer addressed the rumours during an exchange on social media after fans noticed she was no longer wearing her wedding ring.

When one follower asked about its absence, Lloyd replied that the ring "is in the bin", confirming the couple's separation.

The announcement comes during what has been a difficult year for the former The X Factor contestant following the recent death of her father, Darren.

Lloyd and Monk first met in 2011 shortly after her rise to fame on The X Factor. Monk, a hairstylist, reportedly met the singer while she was having hair extensions fitted.

Speaking to Metro in 2014, Lloyd recalled their first meeting.

"It's embarrassing how we met when I think about it," she said. "I went to a hair salon to get my hair done just after I got off The X Factor."

She added, "I wanted to go for a cigarette, but I couldn't go out the front because it was swimming with paparazzi. He was the only one who could take me out the back. So that's where I met him."

The couple became engaged in 2012 before marrying the following year. During their marriage, they welcomed two daughters, Delilah-Rae and Eliza Violet.

Earlier this year, Lloyd paid tribute to her father following his death at the age of 53. She shared one of their final text exchanges, writing, "I love you, dad. More than you'll ever know," to which he replied, "I know you do. And I love you more and more each day. See you tomorrow."

Lloyd rose to prominence after finishing fourth on The X Factor in 2010 before signing with Simon Cowell's Syco label. Her debut album, Sticks and Stones, produced the hit single "Swagger Jagger", while her second album, Sorry I'm Late, followed in 2014.

More recently, Lloyd released the single "Head Down", which she said was inspired by feeling isolated while pursuing her career.

"I wrote this song about when it feels like you're the only one when it feels like you've hit a brick wall," she said.