Cheryl gets into character as Jenny in 2:22 A Ghost Story

Cheryl flashed a broad smile as she took to the stage in 2:22 A Ghost Story at the Lyric Theatre in London on Saturday.

The former Girls Aloud star, 39, was seen dressed in a brown dress with a floral print and a brown woollen cardigan over the top as she performed as her character Jenny, a role she has taken over from former Love Island host Laura Whitmore.

Singer Cheryl was seen on-stage with former EastEnders actor Jake Wood, 50, with the soap star dressed in a blue suit which he wore with a shirt in a lighter shade of the same colour.

Born to perform: Cheryl, 39, flashed a broad smile as she took to the stage in 2:22 A Ghost Story at the Lyric Theatre in London on Saturday

At one point, Cheryl could be seen looking serious as she sat with her arms folded during the performance, while she later looked very animated as she shouted at Jake, who plays the character of Ben.

Writer Danny Robins’ 2:22 – A Ghost Story tells the story of Sam (Scott Karim), an astronomer, who believes he knows the answer to everything.

However, when it comes to the existence of ghosts, Sam does not believe in them, but he is proven very wrong.

On-stage: The former Girls Aloud star was seen dressed in a brown dress with a floral print and a brown woollen cardigan over the top as she performed as her character Jenny (pictured with Jake Wood, who plays Ben)

On-stage: The former Girls Aloud star was seen dressed in a brown dress with a floral print and a brown woollen cardigan over the top as she performed as her character Jenny (pictured with Jake Wood, who plays Ben)

Acting out: Cheryl looked very animated as she shouted at former EastEnders actor Jake Wood, 50, who plays the character of Ben

Acting out: Cheryl looked very animated as she shouted at former EastEnders actor Jake Wood, 50, who plays the character of Ben

Cheryl, who began rehearsing for the production earlier this month, is reportedly hoping to ‘reinvent herself’ with a big stage role after a three-year hiatus from the spotlight.

A source told new! magazine: ‘Cheryl wants to reinvent herself in 2023. She was on TV all the time, she was the sweetheart of the nation. But she stepped back for a while to focus on being a mother.

‘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.’

Scene: Jake (left) dressed in a blue suit which he wore with a shirt in a lighter shade of the same colour (Jake is seen with Louise Ford (centre), who plays Lauren, and Cheryl (right))

Scene: Jake (left) dressed in a blue suit which he wore with a shirt in a lighter shade of the same colour (Jake is seen with Louise Ford (centre), who plays Lauren, and Cheryl (right))

Cheryl is reportedly pocketing one of the biggest fees in West End history for her stint in the play, with sources claiming she’ll earn £750,000 for four months work.

A source told The Sun: ‘The producers know this will get everyone talking, but it will ruffle feathers.’

MailOnline contacted representatives for Cheryl and 2:22 A Ghost Story for comment.

Plot: Writer Danny Robins’ 2:22 – A Ghost Story tells the story of Sam (Scott Karim), an astronomer, who believes he knows the answer to everything (Jake pictured)

Plot: Writer Danny Robins’ 2:22 – A Ghost Story tells the story of Sam (Scott Karim), an astronomer, who believes he knows the answer to everything (Jake pictured)

It was previously reported that Cheryl would be earning at least £100,000 for her work in the play, despite facing criticism for her casting due to her lack of acting experience.

After signing up to appear in 106 shows, The Sun reported last month that an industry booker revealed: ‘Cheryl is getting around £1,000 a show.  

‘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.’

Just last month, Cheryl was announced as the new lead in the popular play, taking over the part of Jenny.

Cheryl excitedly shared the news on Instagram, gushing that ‘it is a totally new experience for me.’

The star has previously played herself in Hollywood movie What To Expect When You’re Expecting and had a small role as a cutthroat music agent in 2020 film Four Kids And It.  

‘Hey!!! .. I am SO excited to be starring in the west end thriller @222aghoststory !! I will be playing the role of Jenny from January – April!’ Cheryl wrote on Instagram alongside her cast photo.

‘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 !! #222aghoststory.’

Fame game: Cheryl rose to fame after winning a place in Girls Aloud having competed on ITV's Popstars: The Rivals (L-R: Kimberley Walsh, Nadine Coyle, Cheryl, the late Sarah Harding and Nicola Roberts pictured after winning the show in 2002)

Fame game: Cheryl rose to fame after winning a place in Girls Aloud having competed on ITV’s Popstars: The Rivals (L-R: Kimberley Walsh, Nadine Coyle, Cheryl, the late Sarah Harding and Nicola Roberts pictured after winning the show in 2002)



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