Cheryl’s been pretty quiet for the past year, hasn’t she?
Since falling pregnant and giving birth to son Bear, ten months, the former X Factor judge, 34, has retreated from the public eye, save for an appearance at X Factor Judges’ Houses and few L’Oreal promotional duties.
But on Thursday night, the popstar whipped fans into a frenzy by posing in a recording studio alongside producer Naughty Boy and X Factor winners Rak Su.
Cheryl. In a recording studio. Does this mean new music is coming?!
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Well, fans certainly seemed to think so and left a slew of excited remarks on the image, which was shared by Naughty Boy with the caption: “SQUAD. Watch this space.”
One fan said: “I’m so ready for this!”
Another wrote: “That is one heck of a squad. We can’t wait to hear what you’ve been up to!”
A third added: “Does this mean Cheryl is coming back?? Can’t wait for this.”
Cheryl hasn’t released an album since 2014’s Only Human, which featured the tracks ‘Crazy Stupid Love’ and ‘I Don’t Care’.
But rumours have been swirling for ages that she’s been quietly working away on new music during her hiatus from the spotlight.
In an interview with Lorraine last year, Cheryl played coy on a timeline for new music but did admit to being in the process of receiving new songs.
She said: “The fans have been so patient. I’m thinking about it but I just want more time with Bear at the moment.
“But I do have plans and I’m receiving songs and stuff at the moment.
“I have the luxury of being able to spend time with my child and I think I’m going to take that for what it is.
“A lot of mothers have to rush back to work and I don’t think it’s really fair. So I’m going to take my time until he’s a bit more grown.”
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In a separate interview with Vogue magazine last year, she added: “What’s interesting is that I love music now more than I ever did. The baby loves music too, and I always played it throughout my pregnancy.”
Talking about her return to work after maternity leave, she said: “”So back to the grind, back to popstar life, back to recording. It’s all fun again.
“I haven’t released music for a long time but it’s good to clear your mind – silence and tranquillity and beautiful things happening to me has helped me to see things differently.”