I haven’t changed my mind with regards how I feel about Cheryl Cole from last week, but will always give credit where it is due.

On last nights X Factor she looked the best she’s ever looked all season.

It not quite in the realm of the Atelier Versace and Stéphane Rolland looks she spoilt us with last season, but it’s a step up from the boring samey, unflattering and uninspired looks she’s given us over the past few weeks.

She stepped onto the stage wearing an Emilio Pucci Fall 2010 dress which we’ve seen a hundred times before – well actually 4 times before. Twice in gold and one a piece in black and white.

The one-sleeved gold sequined mini dress really dazzled under the studio lights.

I was also very impressed with her new cut and colour.

That brazen hussy red colour has been replaced by a more demure chestnut colour and the WAG-eqse extensions had been replaced by a shorter classier ‘do which probably had some tracks for body.

Overall this was 10 out of 10 on all fronts from me. It took her 8 weeks, but she finally got there.

If you’ve been wondering why Cheryl always salutes when she’s introduced to the audience, it’s because she mimicking Simon as that’s what he did during ‘American Idol’.

Credit: Style.com & Ken McKay/TalkbackThames/Rex Features