Cheryl snubs ITV by making her prime-time TV comeback on BBC’s new show The Greatest Dancer
CHERYL is making her prime-time TV comeback — on the BBC.
The Geordie star, 34, was rumoured to be returning as a judge on ITV’s next series of The X Factor.
But on Tuesday night she filmed a run-through for new show The Greatest Dancer.
Cheryl will act in a mentoring role as a “dance captain” on the entertainment series — which will see her turn her back on ITV.
In the practice run, Britain’s Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon, 39, and Diversity dancer Jordan Banjo, 25, hosted the show — which is planned for Saturday nights on BBC1.
Glee star Matthew Morrison, 39, and Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Oti Mabuse, 27, helped to make up the coaching panel.
Cheryl was snapped with two fans after heading to London’s Hammersmith Apollo for filming.
Simon Cowell’s Syco production firm created the show’s format.
A TV source said: “Cheryl’s always been associated with ITV. She was made a star by Popstars: The Rivals.
“Moving to the BBC is a huge deal for her. It’s a trial run at this point. But everyone is hoping it’ll get the green light.
“She’s going to be the star of the show.
“The show is shaping up to be a success. Tuesday was the pilot filming but bosses and Simon have pulled together a strong line-up.
“Alesha and Jordan had great chemistry during the run-through. And Matthew and Oti are trained dancers so are perfect choices alongside Cheryl as ‘dance captains’ or mentors.”
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Cheryl, who welcomed baby son Bear with her boyfriend One Direction singer Liam Payne last year, is slowly getting back to work.
She had been rumoured to return to The X Factor as a judge for the next series replacing Nicole Scherzinger, 39.
She has also recently been seen back in the music studio with producer Naughty Boy and last year’s X Factor champions Rak Su.