‘The X Factor was so competitive – this show has a different vibe’

She sat on the X Factor judging panel for five years, alongside the likes of Simon Cowell, Dannii Minogue and Louis Walsh – all of whom she reportedly feuded with. And despite reports that it’s not all been plain sailing, Cheryl, 35, insists that working with her new team of mentors – including Matthew Morrison and Oti Mabuse – is less competitive than The X Factor.

She explains, “There was definitely more of a competitive nature among us as judges on

The X Factor, probably because Simon was sat there stirring the pot! But it did feel more competitive, because at the end someone’s act was winning a record contract, and you were responsible for their career. It just feels different.” “I feel like from the very start of The Greatest

Dancer we felt like a team. My co-judges are extremely nice. Dance creates a different vibe. With singing, you can easily say, ‘Wrong song! Thank you, next!’ But dance is more of an expression. It’s a form of art, really, open for interpretation.”

But while Cheryl says she loves her co-judges, she recalls a moment during the auditions when Oti, 28, insisted that she go up on stage to dance for everyone, which she admits was mortifying.

She adds, “A standout moment of the series was when Oti dragged me up on stage to jive. I was in six-inch heels! And she made the audience all participate in dragging me on stage. I could’ve killed her!”