Cheryl Cole is set to collaborate with former colleague Nicola Roberts on her upcoming studio album.

The pair are to put their heads together and write some tracks for Cheryl’s next solo effort.

Nicola has been busy promoting her make-up range but she is also heavily involved in the music industry, having written the Little Mix track, DNA.

A source told The Daily Mirror newspaper: ''This seemed like the perfect opportunity to keep some of the Girls Aloud spirit alive. They'll get to hang out together and make music - their two favourite things to do.''

Cheryl and Nicola share a close bond

Cheryl is keen to get Nicola in the studio after previous plans fell through due to other commitments.

The Fight for This Love singer said, ''I was trying to get her to write one but she didn't have time. Cheers for that, too busy creating lipstick colours!''

The duo may even end up in direct competition with their fellow band mates as the dates of both Nadine Coyle and Sarah Harding’s albums have been pushed back to 2014.