Cheryl is reportedly in advanced negotiations to join The Voice UK as a coach, which would mark her first prime-time television role in six years. The 43-year-old Girls Aloud star is said to be close to signing up for the ITV competition, with filming for the new series scheduled to begin in Manchester on September 11.
According to a source who spoke to The Sun, talks have been progressing behind the scenes for months and have even reached discussions about Cheryl's hair and make-up budget. Although a deal has not been officially signed, production is reportedly working on the assumption that she will take part.
Long-standing pursuit and panel lineup
The Voice has reportedly tried to persuade Cheryl to join its spinning chairs for years, but the timing never worked out. Now, however, she is said to feel ready to return to the spotlight. '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'.
Cheryl's longtime friend Will.i.am is also expected to be on the panel, which is reportedly another attraction for her. If confirmed, this would be a return to familiar territory for the singer, who became synonymous with Saturday night talent shows during her time on The X Factor.
A history with 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, briefly joined its ill-fated American counterpart, and later returned to the British judging panel between 2014 and 2015.
Her most recent regular prime-time role was on BBC's The Greatest Dancer, where she served as a dance captain until the show ended in 2020. Since then, Cheryl has been selective about public appearances, particularly after several devastating events in her personal life.
Personal challenges and recent steps back
Cheryl's former Girls Aloud bandmate Sarah Harding died from breast cancer in 2021, and Liam Payne, Cheryl's former partner and 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 stayed out of the public eye. She also endured a stalking ordeal, with a man jailed earlier this year after repeatedly turning up at her home.
Despite these challenges, there have been signs of a comeback. Cheryl earned acclaim for her West End debut in 2:22 A Ghost Story in 2023, and reunited with Nadine Coyle, Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh for Girls Aloud's arena tour the following year. Earlier this month, reports suggested she is considering a tell-all documentary about her career and personal life. Her name had also been linked to The Celebrity Traitors, though she did not join the cast.
What this means for her career
Joining The Voice would represent Cheryl's most significant TV comeback yet, placing her back in the glossy judging role that helped make her one of Britain's biggest stars. The show has also been linked to new hosts, with two major British TV stars reportedly replacing Emma Willis. If the deal is finalised, Cheryl's return to Saturday night television would begin with filming in Manchester on September 11.
