Former Girls Aloud star Cheryl is reportedly making her long-awaited return to television, stepping back into the spotlight as a guest mentor on ITV’s The Voice UK. The 42-year-old singer is said to be in advanced talks to join her longtime friend will.i.am for the show’s upcoming Battle Rounds, which are set to return for the first time in four years.
A source told The Sun:
“Will.i.am and Cheryl first worked together 16 years ago and have remained good friends ever since. She was the obvious choice to mentor his team when the Battle Rounds return.”
Cheryl hasn’t had a TV role since her stint on BBC’s The Greatest Dancer in 2020. Insiders say she’s now easing back into the entertainment world following a challenging period in her personal life, including the tragic death of her ex, Liam, the father of her son Bear. Liam, who was just 31, passed away in October 2024 after a fall from a hotel balcony in Argentina. His final TV appearance will air this month in the Netflix series Building The Band, where he also appeared as a guest judge.
The source added:
“It’s bittersweet that Cheryl is going to be a guest judge so soon after Liam held the same role in one of his last projects before he died. She knows he would be supporting her every step of the way.”
Producers reportedly hope Cheryl’s guest appearance will lead to a more permanent role on The Voice UK when the new series kicks off in early 2026.
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A Familiar Face in Talent Shows
Cheryl has a long history with televised talent shows. She rose to fame in 2002 on ITV’s Popstars: The Rivals, where Girls Aloud was formed. In 2008, Simon Cowell brought her onto The X Factor, where she quickly became a fan favorite and led two of her acts — Alexandra Burke and Joe McElderry — to victory. She briefly joined the U.S. version in 2011 before returning to the UK show in 2014 and 2015. Later, she served as a judge on The Greatest Dancer in 2019 and 2020.
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As Cheryl prepares for her TV comeback, fans are hopeful this guest spot marks the beginning of a new chapter — one that blends her music legacy, personal resilience, and undeniable on-screen charm.
