Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini allegedly got involved in a fist fight with a heckler after he branded his estranged wife Cheryl a "b***h".

A source told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: "JB is a proud man and although his marriage is technically over, he was offended by the taunts.

"The man was calling Cheryl a b***h and was using very rude words."

Jean-Bernard is an ex-boxer and the physical confrontation is said to have left the man needing hospital treatment for his cuts and bruises.

The source added: "JB asked him to stop but he carried on. The man started swinging punches but JB used to be a boxer and was able to defend himself."

Since Jean-Bernard and Cheryl went their separate ways earlier this year, the British pop singer has started dating One Direction star Liam Payne.

And their burgeoning romance has already received the backing of a number of Cheryl's showbiz pals, including Tinchy Stryder, who supported Cheryl on her 2012 'A Million Lights' tour.

He previously said: "If that's what makes her happy then good for her, good for him.

"It's just good for them man. If she's happy and looking well, there's nothing wrong with that. Hopefully she stays happy."

He also praised the brunette beauty for being bubbly and laid back.

He said: "She's really cool. What you see is what you get in a way. She's bubbly and laid back, she's cool.

"It was interesting because when I went on-stage the crowd were responding and enjoying it and it was fun.

"And she comes out and it was OK you see different styles of music and different crowds and a Cheryl audience isn't I guess my core or my usual fans."