Pop star Cheryl has denied reports she lost out on the leading role in the Chicago stage show to Caroline Flack.
According to The Sun, producers were in advanced talks with the singer but ditched the idea after she made a series of “diva requests”.
But Cheryl’s reps have told ED! that she was indeed offered the role of Roxie Hart but decided to turn it down.
Read more: Cheryl finally speaks on the backlash against her
The newspaper had reported that producers in New York made the decision not to hire Cheryl for the London musical, giving the role instead to the Love Island host.
It was the latest devastating blow to the Girls Aloud star’s career after her new single Love Made Me Do It flopped in the charts, the paper said.
Read more: Ofcom complaints about Cheryl’s X Factor performance rise
Cheryl had hoped to revive her fortunes treading the boards in London, according to the report.
She would have replaced X Factor winner Alexandra Burke who currently plays Roxie.
But Cheryl’s reps today said in a statement to Entertainment Daily!: “We can confirm that Cheryl was approached with an offer to take the role but turned it down.”
Caroline is understood to have now landed the coveted role, made famous by Renee Zellweger in the Oscar-winning 2002 movie.
The ITV2 reality show presenter will begin preparing for it after taking part in the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special.
Caroline won the Glitterball Trophy in 2014 and made her West End debut last year.
But until now she has had only supporting roles on the stage.
Chicago’s producers had been looking for a major signing following the success of Oscar-winning actor Cuba Gooding Jr, who played Billy for six weeks earlier this year.
That role is now played by Blue’s Duncan James.
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