Kimberley Walsh has hit back at those criticising Cheryl’s X Factor performance, describing it as “amazing”.
Cheryl was slammed by viewers after she performed her comeback single Love Made Me Do It on Sunday night’s Results Show, with many deeming it “painful” and “sexualised”.
Walsh said she felt “proud” watching Cheryl’s return after a four year hiatus.
“I thought it was amazing,” she told Heart. “I loved seeing her back on there doing what she does.”
Addressing the backlash she said: “I don’t even get into any of that. I’m not interested in any negativity.
“I like seeing my best friend up there doing her thing, and I just felt proud to be honest. She’s out there doing her thing again. I felt like a proud mum.”
Cheryl faced a fierce backlash online following her set which saw her writhing around on the floor and dancing with male backing dancers.
It sparked complaints to Ofcom over the “sexualised” nature which trebled the following day.
Cheryl hit back at the “relentless abuse,” telling fans she “loved” the performance.
In a lengthy Twitter statement she wrote: “Having spent 16 years in the public eye I have always been accepting of people's opinions. Me personally, my music and performances are never going to be for everyone. And that's OK.
“This level of relentless abuse should not be tolerated in any walk of life. From my appearance, my body size and shape to my performance and even dragging innocent people into this like they did to Nile Rodgers simply for a clickbait headline is totally uncalled for. It also gives the trolls a bigger voice and platform.”
Addressing reports she was left “devastated” on watching her set back, she concluded: “Ps…I did watch my performance back and I LOVED IT!”
