Rumours have been rife over which judges will be on this year’s X Factor and Cheryl has been hotly tipped to return.
But now a show source has told The Sun that the Fight For This Love singer is actually leaning towards starring in a new BBC dance talent show over the ITV singing competition.
Cheryl, 34, has already filmed a pilot for the show, called The Greatest Dancer, but it is yet to be confirmed if the BBC will commission a full series.
The insider said if it does go ahead, Cheryl would be keen to be involved as a ‘dance captain’ in what would be her big return to primetime TV after having baby Bear a year ago.
The source said: “Cheryl loves X Factor but she enjoyed filming the pilot for the new BBC programme and loved it. The show feels fresh and because it’s a new format she is excited by that. Dance has always been a passion for her so it feels right for her.”
The move would not be a snub to Simon Cowell as his production company Syco are developing the show.
In the pilot, Glee star Matthew Morrison, 39, and Strictly’s Oti Mabuse, 27, were also dance captains, while Britain’s Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon, 39, and Diversity dancer Jordan Banjo, 25, were the hosts.
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Cheryl was pictured posing with two fans when she filmed the pilot at London’s Hammersmith Apollo back in February.
A TV insider told The Sun at the time: “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.”
Let’s hope the show gets the green light!
ED! have contacted Cheryl’s rep for a comment.
Meanwhile, if Cheryl doesn’t return to The X Factor, Rita Ora, Gloria Estefan and Kylie Minogue are all in the frame to replace Sharon Osbourne and/or Nicole Scherzinger if they don’t return.
Robbie Williams, Craig David and Louis Tomlinson have also been floated as possible options.
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An X Factor representative told ED! no decisions had been made yet.
“There is always speculation regarding The X Factor judging panel. It’s too early to confirm the judges for the next series,” they said.
Would you like Cheryl to return to The X Factor or would you rather see her on The Greatest Dancer? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!