The singer, who has just celebrated her 28th birthday

The singer, who has just celebrated her 28th birthday, was pictured with the ash-blonde, shoulder-length bob on her first public appearance since the fiasco that saw her axed as a judge just three weeks after being hired.

She has spent almost five weeks out of the spotlight, but stepped out in style on Wednesday unveiling her new image on a trip to the US Embassy to renew her visa.

And the star looked in high spirits, smiling and chatting with passersby.

Cheryl was still looking upbeat at her birthday party when she stepped out in a Sixties-inspired look.

The location of the party - which cost a reported £20,000 - was at the Purple Bar in London's West End's chic Sanderson Hotel.

The Girls Aloud band mates Kimberley Walsh, Fergie, Will.i.am, Nicola Roberts, Sarah Harding, X Factor judges and record company executives were some of the singer's many celeb guests.

Cheryl was dropped from the X Factor USA show last month, with boss Simon Cowell saying he was worried she would be uncomfortable in America.

He said he offered to give her a place back in the UK show and, when she refused that, offered to take her back to the US, but she turned him down again.

Simon did not receive an invite to the Geordie lass' birthday party, according to reports.