Cheryl is to make an early appearance on The Voice UK, joining will.i.am as an assistant judge during Saturday night’s Battle Rounds.
The Girls Aloud singer, 43, will help her long-time friend decide which three contestants from his team should progress to the semi-finals.
Her appearance comes after she was confirmed as a coach for the 2027 series, replacing Sir Tom Jones, 86. The new role will mark Cheryl’s return to television following a lengthy break from the spotlight after the death of her former partner Liam Payne.
Cheryl arrived for filming alongside will.i.am wearing a red tasselled leather jacket and light blue flared jeans. The pair embraced as they reunited for the programme.
The singer has worked with the Black Eyed Peas star for almost two decades, beginning with their collaboration on the single Heartbreaker.
Cheryl told the contestants: “I’ve stood in the shoes that the contestants are standing in. I know what it feels like to perform in this environment. You’ve just got to know that you’re good or you wouldn’t be here.”
She added: “I’m so excited for you all. You couldn’t be in better hands than you are with Will.
“Will and I have collaborated a lot over the years so we know what it’s like for two very different artists to come together.”
Cheryl also has personal experience of the competition format, having formed Girls Aloud on Popstars: The Rivals in 2002.
The Voice UK line-up changes
The latest series has been overshadowed by the decision not to bring Sir Tom back as a full-time coach. Tom has said that leaving the show was not his choice and claimed ITV told him the decision was linked to financial difficulties with insurance.
In a statement, ITV thanked the singer for his nine years on The Voice UK, describing him as “irreplaceable” and praising the “countless incredible and unforgettable moments” he had given the programme.
Tom said: “To be clear, I did not want to leave The Voice as I love the show and really appreciate the audience. ITV made this decision — obviously a while ago, and I was told just recently.”
He said he had been offered “a much-reduced role” in which he would appear without being involved from the beginning, adding: “There’s never a good time to fire an 86-year-old who’s still pretty good at his job.”
ITV said Tom would no longer be a full-time coach for series 15 but that discussions were continuing with him and his team about his involvement in the next series.
Stacey Solomon and Alesha Dixon are also set to join The Voice UK as hosts, replacing Emma Willis after she took on a presenting role on Strictly Come Dancing.
Will.i.am will remain on the coaching panel alongside Kelly Rowland, while Aitch is also set to join the new line-up.
