Cheryl Cole takes to Twitter to defend butt tattoo

The tattoo on Cheryl Cole as revealed by Nikko Hurtado on Instagram. Photo / Instagram

British pop star Cheryl Cole has defended the large-scale tattoo she has had inked on her butt after it sparked a barrage of criticism on Twitter.com.

The Girls Aloud singer has had her entire lower back and butt covered with roses and followers were left stunned when tattoo artist Nikko Hurtado posted a snap of the design in its entirety on his Instagram.com page.

Hurtado, who has been working on Cole's inking for months, wrote, "Here is a in progress shot (sic) of a Tattoo I've been covering up and reworking. Really exited to show healed shots. It was some intense tattooing sessions. She's tough as nails."

Several fans were quick to blast the design.

One said on Twitter, "Cheryl cole getting that tattoo is like buying a Ferrari and covering it in bumper stickers," while another posted, "You either hate Cheryl Cole's tattoo or you hate it".

But Cole is adamant she loves the inking on her rear.

Taking to Twitter, she told followers: "People are entitled to their own opinion. Personally I've never really concerned myself with other people's body parts!''

She also told users she felt anxious and sick during the long tattooing process and admitted: "I have personal meaning behind it but English roses are my favourite flowers."

Cole also ruled out going under the needle again.

"I can pretty much safely say I'm done!" she said.

- WENN