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Cheryl confirms TV return on BBC’s The Greatest Dancer

She's saying goodbye to X Factor and ITV

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Cheryl will return to television as a dance captain on BBC One’s new Saturday night show, The Greatest Dancer.

We guess that ends those rumours of her competing on Strictly!

The singer last appeared as a judge on ITV’s The X Factor in 2015 and briefly returned to the show last year to help head judge Simon Cowell during the judges’ houses stage.

She will be joined by fellow captains Glee star Matthew Morrison and Strictly Come Dancing professional Oti Mabuse.

Cheryl with Oti Mabuse and Matthew Morrison (Credit: Syco/Thames/Tom Dymond)

The new talent show, from the makers of The X Factor, will be hosted by former Strictly judge Alesha Dixon and Diversity dancer Jordan Banjo.

Read more: X Factor horror as performer falls from stage

The series is a co-production between creator Syco Entertainment and Thames and will feature a host of talent from across the world of dance from ballet to jazz and hip hop to Bollywood as they give the performances of their lives in the hope of being named The Greatest Dancer.

Cheryl confirms Greatest Dancer role
Cheryl confirmed the news in a video posted to Instagram Stories on Friday (Credit: Instagram @cherylofficial)

Auditions are taking place in Birmingham at the ICC, with the series due to air in 2019.

Cheryl said: “I’m so excited to be part of The Greatest Dancer! I’m looking for acts with real passion, who are going to push boundaries and give it their all, no matter what challenges are thrown at them.

“From my own dance background, I know the dedication and commitment dancing takes, I can’t wait to get started.”

Jordan Banjo and Alesha Dixon will serve as presenters (Credit: Syco/Thames/Tom Dymond)

Oti, who is an eight-time Latin American champion in South Africa, added: “I’m looking forward to finding a dancer who can elicit emotion from the audience, I know how it feels to be on the other side and to be judged and critiqued for your dance or choreography.

“I’m looking forward to being able to find amazing new talent and help them unlock their greatest potential to become the best dancers they can be, and win the competition. I can’t explain how excited I am to be a part of this show.”

Cheryl Cole performing at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast
Cheryl dancing at a 2013 concert in Belfast (Credit: Zed Jameson / FameFlynet.uk.com / SplashNews.com)

Hollywood actor Matthew, who found fame in the TV series Glee, is also a successful Broadway performer and recently appeared in Finding Neverland.

He said: “This is such a powerful moment for me. It’s wonderful to continue bringing music and dance into people’s lives like we did on Glee.

“Dance is a safe haven that allows us to communicate where words cannot. It’s an expression of love and empowerment, driven by all the emotions that make us human.

“I love being exposed to people who are pursuing art, and expression, and I look forward to being a moving force for good on their journey.

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“As a dance captain, my sincere hope is that I can uplift and encourage all the dancers here to reach their greatness.”

The captains will be tasked with whittling down the acts that get through the audition stage before picking who they want to mentor and take through to the live shows.

Are you excited to see Cheryl back on TV? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!