Cheryl is planning to 'reinvent' herself this year as she prepares to kick off 2023 with her West End debut this weekend.
The former Girls Aloud singer, 39, is said to be 'excited' to return to the limelight when she takes to the stage on Saturday, after taking a few years away from the showbiz scene to focus on motherhood.
Cheryl - who shares son Bear, five, with ex Liam Payne - has reportedly wanted to 'get back on the scene' for a while now but previous comeback projects haven't always worked out.
The X Factor legend takes over from former Love Island presenter Laura Whitmore this weekend, as she gives her first performance as Jenny in the supernatural thriller 2:22 A Ghost Story.
Cheryl announced her upcoming West End stint to fans last month - with celeb pals like Paris Hilton, Vicky Pattison and Rylan all congratulating the mum-of-one on her career change.
The Fight For This Love singer will star alongside People Just Do Nothing’s Hugo Chegwin as Ben, Horrible Histories actress Louise Ford as Lauren and theatre star Scott Karim as Sam for a 14-week run of 2:22 A Ghost Story from January 21 at the Lyric Theatre.
While Cheryl is excited about her stint treading the boards, the star is said to be wary about her latest attempt at a comeback thanks to previous projects not exactly setting the world alight.
The star's last musical release Let You peaked at just 57 in the charts back in 2019, while her time as a judge on The Greatest Dancer was short-lived during the same year, with the BBC One Saturday night dance show getting the axe in April 2020.
"Cheryl wants to reinvent herself in 2023. She was on TV all of the time, she was the sweetheart of the nation. But she stepped back for a while to focus on being a mother," a source has told new! magazine.
"She's excited to be coming back. Some things haven't worked out in the past that she's tried, but this is a very exciting time for her."
The source went on to add how Cheryl has wanted to "get back on the scene" for a while.
"Hey!!! .. I am SO excited to be starring in the west end thriller @222aghoststory !!" Cheryl told her followers on Instagram on December 7.
"I will be playing the role of Jenny from January - April! I went to see the show with a previous cast and LOVED IT ! It is a totally new and exciting experience for me so if you’re looking for a fun night out & some entertainment in your new year tickets are available now….whenever you’re ready [wink emoji]!! [ghost emoji] #222aghoststory."
Cheryl's predecessor Laura was one of the first to congratulate the star, with the former Love Island host commenting: "It’s the best!!! You’re going to love it."
Other celebrities who have starred in the successful West End show include Lily Allen and Giovanna Fletcher.
According to an insider, Cheryl is earning £1,000 for every show she does.
An industry booker previously told The Sun : "The deal is £100,000 but will also be linked to ticket sales so if she helps shift around 80% of seats then she’ll be entitled to more money on top of that."
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@mirror.co.uk or call us direct 0207 29 33033.
