After the support she gave him and the boys during their X Factor journey and beyond, we wonder how Cheryl will feel about this latest picture to surface.

Homegrown Niall Horan turns 21 on September 13th and decided to start celebrating early this weekend with a night out in London.

Along with MTV’s Laura Whitmore and Voice of Ireland’s Bressie, there was another surprise guest at the festivities – Cheryl’s former husband Ashley Cole.

Eh, since when are those two best buds?

The footballer tweeted his happiness at being part of the 1Der's big night, saying: "Birthday party for @NiallOfficial enjoy now u a man  #doing #what #i #do"

We have to say we're surprised to see Ashley there – maybe he just happened to be in the right place at the right time?

Cheryl's star is on the rise again after her recent marriage to Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini and her return to the X Factor judging panel, so hopefully she's more than over her cheating ex.

However, no matter how much you've moved on, it does sting to see a friend hanging out with the ex that broke your heart.

Maybe Niall and Cheryl aren't as close as we thought. Considering her tumultuous history with Cher Lloyd, maybe Cheryl just doesn't keep up relationships with former X Factor contestants once the season is over.

Oblivious to any potential drama that the birthday pics may have caused, everyone seemed to be in good spirits that night, with Laura Whitmore posts lots of happy pictures to her Instagram account.

Happy Birthday, Niall – you definitely deserve to have some fun!