Cheryl Tweedy
The former Girls Aloud star is being urged by her famous friend to join the judging panel
She was dealt a devastating blow earlier this year when it was confirmed her TV show The Greatest Dancer had been axed after just two series – but Cheryl Tweedy might not be off our screens for long, as she could be joining the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel!
As speculation mounted that veteran judge Bruno Tonioli might not appear on this year’s new show, a source told Cheryl, 37, is being encouraged to join
Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Shirley Ballas on the panel by her BFF – former Strictly contestant Kimberley Walsh.
“Kimberley’s urged Cheryl to go for the opportunity and says it will help revive her career, as well as boost her self-esteem and prove wrong all the critics who’ve torn her apart over the past year,” claimed our insider.
“Cheryl was hesitant when she was first approached and said she didn’t want to be thrust back into the spotlight and appear desperate by jumping from one talent show to the next. But Kimberley urged her to consider how being on one of the most popular TV shows could turn her back into the country’s golden girl, like The X Factor did.”
Cheryl became the bookies’ favourite to replace Bruno, 64, after it was reported he might not be able to juggle his judging roles on both
Strictly and US version
Dancing With The Stars, as travel restrictions may not allow him to fly between the UK and America.
Ladbrokes revealed Cheryl was the front runner, but added she might have some competition from Strictly’s 2018 winner Stacey Dooley.
“Cheryl remains the favourite to replace Bruno if he has to pull out of Strictly this year, but there’s a gamble developing on recent winner Stacey Dooley sitting on the panel in 2020,” said a spokesperson for the betting company.
And it’s not just Kimberley who thinks Cheryl would be a great fit – Bruno thinks she would be a good addition to the show.
“If Cheryl does end up doing it there would be nothing wrong with that. She’s a lovely girl. I like her,” he said. “Of course, she’s not me, but we’re all different. We all have different things to offer.”
The former Girls Aloud star would be the perfect fit as she’s had years of experience judging on Saturday night primetime shows. She’s had stints on The X Factor and The
Greatest Dancer, where she was able to prove she’s a talented dancer in her own right when she performed alongside fellow judge and Strictly pro Oti Mabuse.
However, since it was confirmed The Greatest Dancer would not be returning for a third series, Cheryl has been out of the spotlight, spending lockdown holed up with her three-year-old son Bear, who she shares with ex-one Direction star Liam Payne.
So it’s no surprise Kimberley, who was runner-up when she competed on Strictly in 2012, is keen to get her friend back in the limelight. And she even believes appearing on the show could open
Cheryl up to new opportunities in her personal life, too.
“Kimberley knows how much confidence Cheryl has lost over the past few years and how her priorities have changed since becoming a mum, but she told her how incredible it is to be on a show like that and how different it is to other experiences she may have had. Not to mention the possible advantages it could have for her social life and love life by opening new doors and meeting so many new people,” added the pal.
“Cheryl says she’s very much in two minds about it, but she really appreciates Kimberley’s advice. She knows that having her in her corner would be a huge support to her if she does decide to do it.” Of course, Cheryl is no stranger to the Strictly studio. Last October, viewers spotted her in the audience and she later posed for a picture with the show’s hosts
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Tess shared the snap on her Instagram account and captioned the shot, “Great to see you at the show” followed by a kiss and love heart emoji. It looks like you’ll be getting a perfect 10 from them, Chez!