An unhappy Close Protection Officer- Chezza owes me £70k

CHERYL Cole’s former minder last night claimed she owes him £70,000 for guarding her on the US version of X Factor.

American Craig Balkam protected the singer during her three-month stint in the States — but said: “I haven’t been paid a cent.”

The 6ft 3in bodyguard spoke out after it was revealed Cheryl, 29, is suing X Factor bosses for £1.4 million following her June sacking from the show. Her claim includes “reimbursement” for the cost of her personal security.

But Craig, 43, told a friend: “She’s got a lot of nerve — she’s ignored all my requests for payment. She has around £30 million in the bank and could pay me tomorrow with a click of her fingers, but is refusing to.” He has now seen a lawyer about suing the singer, who hired him herself.

His pal said: “Craig would have taken a bullet for that girl. He can’t believe what’s happened.” A spokesman for Cheryl declined to comment.

g.culliford@the-sun.co.uk

There's always a bigger picture to any one-sided story.

Suffice to say - I would have looked after her for free.

But the long-haired General has already said "No Way!".




Rich H