Cheryl Cole has opened up about her relationship with her fans and explained that the rise of social networking sites has given her more access to her followers.

Speaking exclusively to Stylist magazine, the 'Promise This' songstress revealed that she likes to get to know her fans on a personal level because the loyal ones have been with her since the beginning:

"I just feel like they know me and I know them, especially now with Twitter. Is that weird?"

"I did a signing two days ago where I get to see them one-on-one and I was asking them so many questions. They were laughing at me saying it was like I was interviewing them, but I want to make sure I really know them."

She also spoke briefly about being a fashion icon and a source of inspiration, adding: "It's not a conscious thing, but I suppose you're aware that they look to you for inspiration because I did."