Cheryl: Everything you need to know about the Girls Aloud singer
She's a new judge on The Voice UK
She's the Geordie princess that stole the hearts of the nation when she appeared as a judge on The X Factor back in 2008, but there's a lot more to Girls Aloud singer Cheryl. From her childhood stardom to her rise on Popstars: The Rivals, the 43-year-old has enjoyed major success in her lifetime.
As well as selling millions of records with her Girls Aloud bandmates Nicola Roberts, Kimberley Walsh, Nadine Coyle, and the late Sarah Harding, Cheryl has enjoyed major success as a solo artist, releasing hits like 'Fight For This Love', 'Call My Name', 'Love Made Me Do It', and her last single 'Let You'.
After taking time off from the world of showbiz, Cheryl returned in 2023, playing the role of Jenny in West End play 2:22 A Ghost Story. She reunited with her Girls Aloud bandmates for a huge arena tour in May 2024 - and has been announced as a new judge on The Voice UK! Get to know her better with our handy guide below...
How old is Cheryl Tweedy?
Cheryl was brought into the world on 30th June 1983! She celebrated her 43rd birthday on Monday 30th June 2026.
Where is she from?
Cheryl was born in Newcastle upon Tyne, growing up on council estates in the suburbs of Walker and Heaton.
Which TV advert did Cheryl appear on as a child?
At the age of just seven, Cheryl bagged herself a role in a television advert for British Gas, looking very cute! Check it out below:
Does Cheryl have any siblings?
Cheryl is the fourth of five children of her mum Joan Callaghan. Cheryl has three brothers, Gary, Andrew and Joseph, and a sister called Gillian. Cheryl is very close with her brother Gary... He's actually part of her management team and entourage.
What is Cheryl's name now?
Cheryl's maiden name was Cheryl Tweedy, which is what she's now known as. When she married Ashley Cole, she became Cheryl Cole. Similarly with her second husband Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini, her name became Cheryl Fernandez-Versini. After their divorce, she went by just Cheryl, and now she's known as Cheryl Tweedy again.
What was Cheryl's first job?
Despite showing an interest in dancing from the age of four and dancing on telly at 10 on Gimme Five, Cheryl's first job was actually as a waitress at a local restaurant.
How did Cheryl become famous?
Although Cheryl appeared on a number of low profile TV shows doing dance recitals, it wasn't until 2002 that the singer really got her break. Cheryl auditioned for Popstars: The Rivals and impressed judges Louis Walsh, Pete Waterman and Nicki Chapman at the age of 19 with a performance of 'Have You Ever'.
Watch her audition below:
How did Girls Aloud come about?
As well as Cheryl, a number of other hopefuls auditioned for Popstars: The Rivals in 2002, with the show's aim to create a boy band and a girl band to compete for the Christmas Number 1. After weeks of live shows, Cheryl won her place in Girls Aloud alongside Nicola Roberts, Kimberley Walsh, Sarah Harding and Nadine Coyle.
READ MORE: Check out Girls Aloud's biggest highlights
Girls Aloud reunions
Cheryl, Nadine, Nicola and Kimberly have reunited a number of times in order to raise money for Cancer Research, in tribute to their former bandmate Sarah Harding — and went on a huge tour in her honour.
In July 2022, Girls Aloud joined thousands of fundraisers to take part in Race for Life for Sarah, before the band hosted a special fundraising event called The Primrose Ball in October 2022.
In April 2023, Girls Aloud announced they would be releasing a special edition of their debut album 'Sound Of The Underground', originally released in May 2003. The group also re-released their debut hit of the same name.
When did Cheryl last perform with Girls Aloud?
Before their hiatus, all five members of Girls Aloud last took to the stage together on March 20th 2013 at the Echo Arena in Liverpool as part of their 'Ten: The Hits Tour'.
In November 2023, Cheryl, Nadine, Kimberley and Nicola confirmed they were reuniting for a huge arena tour in May/June 2024, in what was a celebration of Sarah. The group embarked on the tour in Dublin's at the 3Arena on Friday 17th May.
Following a cryptic countdown, the band wrote on social media: 'We’re so excited to announce that we will be touring the UK & Ireland in May and June 2024. A celebration of Sarah, our music and our incredible fans. We can’t wait to sing and dance with you all once again. -Cheryl, Kimberley, Nadine & Nicola 💋'. (sic)
Cheryl's tribute to Sarah
Although reports were rife that Girls Aloud would be reuniting for their 20th anniversary in 2020, the band were left heartbroken when Sarah Harding announced she'd been diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2020.
All of the girls rallied around her, and were devastated when Sarah passed away at the age of 39 in September 2021. Cheryl paid tribute to her bandmate and friend on Instagram, sharing a beautiful picture of Sarah alongside a heart-rending caption.
She wrote: 'Although we knew this day would arrive I am somehow still feeling at a loss for words that our stunning, unique, crazy, quirky, kind and soft hearted girl has departed. As I try to navigate my way through these painfully strange and horribly unfamiliar waves of disbelief & finality I am experiencing, I wanted to extend my condolences to all of our GA fans.
'We were like an extended family for so long and we know so many of you by name. I wanted to make sure you knew just how much your love and continued support meant to Sarah through her most vulnerable times. She was so grateful and you really lifted her spirits when she needed you most 🙏🏼
'I also realize so many will be deeply affected by the circumstances of Sarah’s passing… I am sending you all so much love 💔 I love you Sarah… farewell 🕊 Sarah Nicole Harding forever in our hearts 💖💞🙏🏼.' (sic)
When did Cheryl go solo?
After Girls Aloud announced their initial split in 2009, Cheryl went on to pursue her solo career, with a little help from her friend will.i.am.
Cheryl's biggest solo songs:
'Heartbreaker' - will.i.am (featuring Cheryl)
Cheryl appeared on 'Heartbreaker' as her first solo outing after auditioning to be a backing dancer for the video, following her passion for dance on TV show The Passions of Girls Aloud.
Having been a dancer as a young child, she took up a week-long intensive course in street dance, working up the courage to audition as a backing dancer for will.i.am's then-upcoming single, 'Heartbreaker'. Will later asked her to contribute vocals too after meeting her.
The track was incredibly popular, going to Number 4 in the UK where it's certified Gold.
'Fight For This Love'
Her first solo single, Cheryl released 'Fight For This Love' in October 2009 as the lead single for her debut album, '3 Words'. 'Fight For This Love' was yet another incredibly popular track for our Chez, going to Number 1 in the UK and being certified 2x Platinum. She received a nomination for Best British Single at The BRIT Awards, where she also performed it live.
'3 Words' (featuring will.i.am)
Cheryl got together once again with will.i.am for '3 Words', the title track of her debut album. The song was released in December 2009, going to Number 4 in the UK with a Silver certification.
'Parachute'
Another single from Cheryl's debut album, 'Parachute' was released in March 2010 and proved to be another Top 5 hit for Chez, peaking at Number 5 in the UK and receiving a Gold certification. She performed it live for the first time on her own TV show, Cheryl Cole's Night In.
'Promise This'
Released as the lead single from Cheryl's second album, 'Messy Little Raindrops', 'Promise This' came out in October 2010 in the aftermath of Cheryl's split from Ashley and her well-publicised health battle with malaria.
Co-written by renowned pop writer Muni Long, 'Promise This' debuted at Number 1 in the UK and went on to receive a Gold certification. Cheryl famously performed it on The X Factor, and it was spread to a wider audience after a gorgeous cover by Adele.
'Call My Name'
Cheryl released 'Call My Name' in May 2012 as the lead single from her third album, 'A Million Lights'. Written and produced by none other than hotshot DJ Calvin Harris, the song went to Number 1 in the UK where it's also been certified Platinum.
'Crazy Stupid Love' (featuring Tinie Tempah)
Teaming up with Tinie Tempah, Cheryl released the absolute bop 'Crazy Stupid Love' in June 2014 as the lead single from her fourth album, 'Only Human'. Receiving a co-writing credit on the song, 'Crazy Stupid Love' went to Number 1 in the UK and it's also been certified Platinum.
'I Don't Care'
Cheryl released 'I Don't Care' in November 2014 as the second single from her fourth album, again receiving a co-writing credit. The song gave Cheryl her fifth Number 1 single, making her the first British female solo artist to achieve the title, and it's also been certified Gold.
'Love Made Me Do It'
Cheryl worked with her best friend and fellow Girls Aloud band mate Nicola Roberts on the song. According to reports, as well as Nicola, Cheryl's single 'Love Made Me Do It' was also co-written by 'Unwritten' singer Natasha Bedingfield. It peaked at Number 19 in the UK.
Speaking ahead of the release, Cheryl said: "It's something that anyone who's been in love will be able to relate to in some way or another. It's catchy and it's fun. It's not about one specific person or relationship, it's more about me being the lover of love that I am. I just love love!"
How many solo albums has Cheryl released?
To date Cheryl has released four solo albums, spanning between 2009-2014. Her first album, '3 words', was released in November 2009 and featured her Number 1 single 'Fight For This Love'.
Cheryl then released her second solo album in 2010, calling it 'Messy Little Raindrops', before her 2012 album 'A Million Lights' and her last album 'Only Human' back in 2014.
Who has Cheryl collaborated with?
Cheryl has teamed up with a number of high profile artists on her solo material in the past. After striking up a friendship with Black Eyed Peas singer will.i.am, the pair released the hit single 'Heartbreaker' in 2008.
Cheryl also worked with Tinie Tempah on the Number 1 single 'Crazy Stupid Love' in 2014, with the pair giving a live performance of the upbeat track during the Britain's Got Talent live semi-final. Other artists that Cheryl has worked with include Wretch 32 and Dizzee Rascal.
Does Cheryl hold any musical records?
After the success of her solo material, in 2014 Cheryl scored her fifth Number 1 single with the track 'I Don't Care', giving her the record of having the most UK Number 1s by a British female artist.
Despite this amazing record, Cheryl has since been overtaken by fellow artist Jess Glynne, after she scored her sixth Number 1 in March 2018.
Will Cheryl make any new music?
Having not released a solo album since 2014, fans of Cheryl are always keen to hear news about a new album. After the release of her last single 'Let You', things seemed to go quiet on the new music front, and now that she's appearing on The Voice UK, it's unlikely she'll be putting any new music out.
Which TV shows has Cheryl been on?
The X Factor (2008 - 2010)
Cheryl was hired by music mogul Simon Cowell to appear as a judge on The X Factor in 2008. After immediately hitting it off with the rest of the panel, Cheryl was dubbed the 'nation's sweetheart' for her kind and loving personality towards the contestants.
Appearing on three series, Cheryl won the first two she judged on with her acts Alexandra Burke and Joe McElderry respectively, being runner-up on her third series with Rebecca Ferguson who came second to Matt Cardle who was mentored by Dannii Minogue.
She left the British version of the show after the 2010 series to go across the pond to become a judge on The X Factor USA
Cheryl Cole's Night In
After the amazing success of her debut album, Cheryl was given a one-off television programme called Cheryl Cole's Night In, which aired on ITV. Hosted by Holly Willoughby, the show featured music and interviews with Cheryl and some of her favourite performers.
The X Factor USA
In 2011, Cheryl then joined Simon, L.A. Reid, and Paula Abdul on The X Factor USA, but things didn't work out and after just three weeks, Cheryl was reportedly axed by bosses and replaced by Nicole Scherzinger.
Cheryl: Access All Areas
Following the further success of her music, Cheryl was given her own documentary show in 2012, called Cheryl: Access All Areas. It followed the singer behind-the-scenes of her first solo arena tour.
The X Factor (2014 - 2015)
After a few years off, Cheryl then made her full return to The X Factor in 2014, joining Louis Walsh, Simon Cowell and Mel B on the panel. A year later, Cheryl signed up again, only this time to be joined by new judges Rita Ora and Nick Grimshaw.
She came in fourth in the 2014 series with her act Lauren Platt in the year that Ben Haenow won and Fleur East came second, while the 2015 series saw her as runner-up with Reggie 'n' Bollie who came second to Louisa Johnson.
Who Do You Think You Are?
Cheryl took part in the genealogy TV show in 2016, uncovering a long line of seafaring folk who worked away for long periods of time, with their wives successfully raising the children almost single-handedly. In the programme, she said: "There’s definitely a strong sense of tough, Northern, Geordie women starting with Caroline, so that tradition seems to have carried on."
The Greatest Dancer
Cheryl confirmed herself in August 2018 that she was joining Glee actor Matthew Morrison and Strictly Come Dancing star Oti Mabuse on the panel for BBC One's talent show The Greatest Dancer.
After one season, Cheryl later confirmed she would be returning to the show for series two. She said: "Yes, I don't know if I'm allowed to tell you that, but I am, I just did. I'm sure Jordan is coming back as well, so I'm going to grass on him as well. I love Jordan, he's such a nice guy, and Alesha Dixon they are amazing together."
Series two of The Greatest Dancer hit our TV screens on Saturday 4th January 2020. Cheryl was blown away by 10-year-old Lily Straughan and eight-year-old Joseph Chow from Sunderland, with the mum-of-one picking the pair to be one of her top three acts, and therefore securing a place in the live shows.
Cheryl also chose all female Jazz group The Queens, and all male contemporary dance group called Brothers of Dance. The first live show of the series kicked off on Saturday 1st February 2020, where Cheryl's group The Queens were eliminated.
Sadly, The Greatest Dancer was cancelled, with the BBC confirming in April 2020 that it wouldn't be returning for a third series. A representative said: "Whilst there are no plans for a further series, we are proud of the show and would like to thank everyone involved."
RuPaul's Drag Race UK
Cheryl appeared as a guest judge on the first series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, featuring in Episode 6 which saw her namesake Cheryl Hole fall into the bottom two and lip sync to Cheryl's own track, 'Fight For This Love', to keep a place in the competition.
The Voice UK
Cheryl was announced as a new member of the judging panel on The Voice UK in September 2026. She will appear alongside will.i.am, Kelly Rowland and Aitch, and its due to air in 2027. She and Kelly were even spotted on a night out together during filming in September 2026, singing their songs with a crowd at karaoke.
When was Cheryl on the West End?
After a number of years out of the spotlight, Cheryl delighted her fans in December 2022, announcing she would be taking over the role of Jenny from Laura Whitmore in West End play 2:22 A Ghost Story.
Cheryl played the role between January-April 2023, receiving amazing reviews in the process. Following her last show, Cheryl paid tribute to the play on Instagram, writing: 'So .. that’s it 2:22 is done. And just like that a new adventure becomes a memory 💭 .. and what a memory it is. I have loved every second , every person ! . The director.. , All of our crew, the tech department Kate 🫶🏼..our understudies … everyone! They have all been so kind and amazing to me 🙏🏼
'I will forever be grateful for all of you and this amazing experience. Lou, Scott , Jake 😭✨ I could not have asked for better cast members. I love you all lots 🥹 And YOU the audience , every single audience member you have been incredible. You have MADE my experience.
'Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being right there with us.. every single performance. Thank you for all the love & support.. ( & gifts. Lots of gifts 😯🥰 ) 'Thanks for embarking on this new and wonderful experience with me 🥰 Jenny, Sam, Lauren and Ben. I’m gonna miss you 🥹 👻'. (sic)
Cheryl's relationship history:
Things haven't exactly been smooth in the world of love for Cheryl. After discovering her former husband, former England footballer Ashley Cole, had cheated on her with a number of women, Cheryl filed for divorce from him in 2010 citing "unreasonable behaviour".
She was then romantically linked to a number of men, including backing dancer Tre Holloway and her friend, Dancing With The Stars professional Derek Hough.
However, it was in 2014 that Cheryl married again. After just three months together, Cheryl and French businessman Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini tied the knot in a private ceremony. Despite this, the couple announced their split and later divorced in 2016.
Cheryl and Liam
After confirming their romance in 2016 and welcoming son Bear together in 2017, Cheryl and the late Liam Payne enjoyed a two-year romance before announcing their amicable split in July 2018.
Then in November 2019, Liam revealed that Cheryl was the 'most important' person in his life, telling Ant Middleton on Ant Middleton & Liam Payne: Straight Talking: "They’re so important to me – Cheryl as well. She’s one of the most, if not the most, important people in my life.
"Even though we’re not together, Cheryl’s always there for me. I’m lucky I have someone who understands what I’m going through. ‘The one thing I was missing as a man in the relationship I had, was a level understanding about what she was feeling about stuff."
They remained on good terms right up until Liam's tragic and sudden death in 2024. Cheryl paid tribute to him on Instagram after the shocking news, sharing a photo of him with their son Bear as a baby alongside a statement.
It read: 'As I try to navigate this earth shattering event, and work through my own grief at this indescribably painful time, I'd like to kindly remind everyone that we have lost a human being. Liam was not only a pop star and celebrity, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend and a father to our 7 year old son. A son that now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again.
'What is troubling my spirit the most is that one day Bear will have access to the abhorrent reports and media exploitation we have seen in the past two days. It is breaking my heart further that I cannot protect him from that in his future. I am begging you to consider what use some of these reports are serving, other than to cause further harm to everyone left behind picking up the pieces.
'Before you leave comments or make videos, ask yourself if you would like your own child or family to read them. Please give Liam the little dignity he has left in the wake of his death to rest in some peace at last. Thank you, Cheryl.'
Does Cheryl have any children?
In what was one of the 'worst kept secrets' in the land of celebrity, Cheryl fell pregnant with her first child to Liam Payne in 2016. Despite never officially confirming her pregnancy, Cheryl announced she'd welcome a baby boy called Bear Grey Payne into the world on March 22nd 2017.
Taking to Instagram to share the one and only picture of baby Bear, Cheryl wrote: 'On Wednesday 22nd March Liam and I became parents to an incredibly beautiful, healthy baby boy, weighing 7lb 9 and looking like a dream. Although he still doesn't have a name he is already stealing hearts.
'We are all madly in love and overwhelmingly happy with our little arrival. Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers around the world. A day that now has a different meaning to me forever 💙.' (sic)
In November 2019, Cheryl revealed why she'd named her son Bear, speaking on RuPaul's What's The Tee podcast. "When I was in the hospital, he used to make these noises. We had specialists coming in to see what was going on, he was breathing like – quite cute but nothing worrisome.
“It was just him. The midwife used to come in and say: ‘How’s the little bear?’ I didn’t have the name prior… I couldn’t get the nickname out of my mind. We toyed with others but I didn’t want him to be the third and such and such in his class. I wanted him to have a unique name."
Cheryl shared two adorable pictures in December 2019 - one of her and Bear's matching pyjamas and another of her son getting excited after decorating the Christmas tree! Liam praised Cheryl on Mother's Day 2020 for doing such a good job bringing up little Bear, and spoke about his son again in May that year to say how difficult it was to be away from him during lockdown.
Is Cheryl on social media?
She is! Despite not posting much, Cheryl made a return to Instagram in June 2021, sharing both a selfie and a photo alongside her team, including her brother Garry Tweedy and her PA, Lily England.
You can follow Cheryl on Instagram at @CherylOfficial, and on X, but she's not posted since December 2023. You can follow Cheryl on X @CherylOfficial.
Cheryl Cole's net worth
With the success of her music and TV career and her wide range of promotional and sponsorship deals, Cheryl's net worth is estimated to be around £20 million.
What is Cheryl's Trust?
Cheryl is a massively philanthropic person, and is well-known for her charity work. She works closely with The Prince's Trust, even opening her own centre in Newcastle.
The 'Call My Name' singer first teamed up with The Prince's Trust back in 2015, and she's since helped build a £2 million state of the art centre to support young and disadvantaged people in the North East of England.
Cheryl Cole tattoos
Cheryl has a number of famous inkings on her body. Perhaps the most recognisable is the Maori tribal design on her hand, and the massive rose tattoo which covers her lower back and bum.
Author: Alex Ross
Alex Ross is a Digital Content Editor across Rayo brands, including the Hits Radio Network, Greatest Hits Radio, KISS, Cool FM and Magic Radio. After beginning her career as a Marketing Intern with Bauer Media in 2016, she transitioned into digital editorial and has spent the past decade creating engaging content for millions of readers. Whether it’s reality shows, sitcoms, gritty crime dramas or hard-hitting documentaries, Alex is an expert in all things TV, as well as knowing the ins and outs of celebrities.
Additional content by Emma Dodds.