THIERRY SCORES WITH VA VA VOOM NICOLE

WORLD Cup flop Thierry Henry is getting over his football heartache in the arms of a real-life Nicole... his TV girlfriend from the new Renault Clio ads.

Beautiful English model Nicole Merry plays the Arsenal star's lover in the new pounds 1million "Va Va Voom" campaign for the French cars.

But behind the scenes Nicole, 22, has moved into the striker's pounds 7million home in North London. The pair have been dating secretly for seven months and Nicole, from Croydon, South London, even followed him to the Far East for the World Cup where champions France crashed out in the first round.

In the ads Nicole is seen chatting on a phone by the pool at the star's lavish pad.

In real-life Nicole has moved out of the house she shared with her parents to set up home with the player at his state-of-the-art home next to Hampstead Heath.Thierry's girl takes over as the love interest in the Clio ads from Estelle Skornik, who played Nicole in the previous "Nicole? Papa!" series.

Insiders said Thierry, 24, asked for Nicole to play the part - but did not reveal he was already dating her.

And when green-eyed Nicole was pictured with the wives of the French team at the World Cup she let photographers think she was French and gave her name only as "Claire" - her real name before she become a model.

Last night a friend said: "They are very close, but both Thierry and Nicole are very keen to keep their relationship low profile.

"She is very careful who she talks to about him. But she has told her closest friends that Thierry asked her to move in with him. She is blissfully happy."

In the World Cup the Arsenal star failed to live up to the "Va Va Voom" catchphrase from the ads. He missed an open goal and hit the bar in the humiliating defeat by Senegal. Then in his next match he was sent off .

Nicole, whose father Peter is an advertising executive, is also a dancer who is keen to become a TV presenter. Her stunning looks have earned her a fortune modelling.

The friend added: "Thierry and Nicole seem really happy. It is definitely serious.

"He is down after the World Cup but she is being sympathetic. She might be English, but supported her boyfriend out there."

Last night Nicole's mother said her daughter was on holiday with Thierry. "I don't think I should comment for them, but everything is going fine."

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