Ashley Cole has apparently been spending time at his old marital home in Surrey that he used to share with his soon-to-be ex-wife Cheryl Cole.

The Chelsea and England footballer has been popping into his old place, which is now Cheryl's main residence, and has even bumped into his ex-mother-in-law Joan, according to Now magazine.

A source told the magazine: "He pops back to that house whenever he likes. He still has the keys and gets in through a hidden entrance at the back.

"He's always there, which is a bit strange for a couple going through a divorce. The other day he was there sorting out some gym equipment and he bumped into Joan."

They also added: "He was worried she'd lay into him, but she was surprisingly civil.

"Ashley's in no rush to pick up all his stuff. While Cheryl's been in LA, he hasn't been calling to let her know he's dropping in and he probably won't when she's back."

Cheryl Cole is rumoured to be dating Dancing With The Stars dancers Derek Hough - who do you think is better Ashley Cole or Derek Hough?