Cheryl is reportedly in advanced talks to join The Voice UK as a coach, marking her first prime-time television role in six years. The Girls Aloud star, 43, is said to be close to signing up for the ITV competition, with filming due to begin in Manchester on September 11.
Negotiations are reported to have taken place behind the scenes for months, progressing as far as discussions about Cheryl’s hair and make-up budget, although nothing has officially been signed.
Return to the spotlight
A source told The Sun that The Voice has tried to tempt Cheryl onto its spinning chairs for years, but the timing has never worked. This time, however, she is apparently ready to make her return.
“This year it’s different. She feels ready to re-enter the spotlight and talks are now in the final stages,” the insider said. They added that while a deal could still fall apart, production is currently “working on the assumption she will be doing it”.
Her longtime friend Will.i.am is also expected to be alongside her on the panel, which is reportedly another attraction for Cheryl.
Familiar territory
If she does sign up, it will be familiar territory for a star who was once practically synonymous with Saturday night talent shows. Cheryl joined The X Factor in 2008 and quickly became one of its biggest draws, mentoring Alexandra Burke and Joe McElderry to consecutive victories.
She left the UK show in 2010 before briefly joining its ill-fated American counterpart, and later returned to the British judging panel between 2014 and 2015. Her most recent regular prime-time role came on BBC competition The Greatest Dancer, where she served as a dance captain until the show ended in 2020.
Personal challenges
Since then, Cheryl has become far more selective about her public appearances, particularly following a number of devastating events in her personal life. Her former Girls Aloud bandmate Sarah Harding died from breast cancer in 2021, while Liam Payne, Cheryl’s former partner and the father of her nine-year-old son Bear, died aged 31 in October 2024.
Following Payne’s death, Cheryl described the loss as “earth shattering” and largely remained away from the public eye. She has also endured a frightening stalking ordeal, with a man jailed earlier this year after repeatedly turning up at her home.
Recent steps back into the limelight
However, there have recently been signs that Cheryl could be ready to step back into the limelight. She earned acclaim after making her West End debut in 2:22 A Ghost Story in 2023, before reuniting with Nadine Coyle, Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh for Girls Aloud’s arena tour the following year.
Earlier this month, it was also reported that Cheryl is considering a tell-all documentary charting the highs and lows of her extraordinary career and personal life. Her name had previously been linked to The Celebrity Traitors, although she ultimately did not join the cast.
Now, The Voice could provide the most significant comeback yet – putting Cheryl back in the kind of glossy TV judging role that helped turn her into one of Britain’s biggest stars in the first place.
