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Cheryl Cole has kicked off her first major UK tour as a solo artist in London, calling the gig a "dream".

The Girls Aloud star played an eight song, half-hour long set supporting the Black Eyed Peas at London's O2 Arena.

Speaking from the stage she said: "I can feel the energy coming from this room. It's like a dream to be up here."

Having already called in for two nights in Dublin, the tour continues until 1 June with further dates in London, Birmingham and Manchester.

With the 22,000 capacity venue still filling up Cole took to the stage at 7.30pm backed by a troop of six dancers and the four members of her live band.

Dressed in military camouflage she opened her set with number one single Fight For This Love and any suggestion that she might mime during her performance was immediately extinguished.

Song dedication

The 27-year-old from Newcastle managed an impressive three costume changes as she played songs including Parachute, 3 Words and a cover of Owl City's Fireflies before finishing with Stand Up.

The closest she came to mentioning Ashley Cole - the pair are currently separated - was to dedicate Rain On Me "to all the ladies in the house tonight".

Speaking afterwards many fans said the X Factor judge had exceeded their expectations.

French student Elaine, from Paris, said: "She is the most beautiful women. I didn't think she would sing live, but she did. It was good."

Not to be out-done of course, headliners Black Eyed Peas had a far louder sound system, more spectacular light show and a multitude of stage props including a hovering space car and robotic-themed dancers.

Performing a greatest hits set, they played songs spanning their 15-year career including Rock That Body, My Humps and Where Is The Love.

A rumoured collaboration between lead singer will.i.am and Cole (the Pea's man also executively produced Cole's debut album) on Heartbreaker didn't materialise.

Playing for just under two hours the American foursome finished with Boom Boom Pow and I Got A Feeling.