. “She Was the Obvious Choice”: Cheryl Makes Shocking TV Comeback After Liam Payne’s Tragic Death

Cheryl Tweedy Set for Triumphant TV Comeback with ‘The Voice’ After Personal Heartbreak

Cheryl Tweedy is poised for a major return to television as she rebuilds her career following the tragic death of her ex-partner, Liam Payne.

The former Girls Aloud star is in advanced talks to join ITV’s The Voice UK as a guest mentor for its upcoming 14th series, marking her first major TV appearance in five years. She is set to reunite with long-time friend and collaborator will.i.am, who personally reached out to support her following the sudden loss of Payne in October last year.

A show insider told The Sun: “Will.i.am and Cheryl first worked together 16 years ago and have remained good friends ever since. She was the obvious choice to mentor his team when the Battle Rounds return four years after being axed.”

Cheryl, 42, has been largely out of the public spotlight since her last talent show role on the BBC’s The Greatest Dancer. But those close to the singer say she’s taking “baby steps” back into the limelight, and teaming up with will.i.am is seen as a natural and supportive transition.

“A lot has happened in Cheryl’s personal life since she was last working on a talent show… Teaming up with will.i.am as a guest mentor seems the perfect way to kick-start her comeback,” the insider added.

The new series of The Voice is expected to air in early 2026, with Destiny’s Child’s Kelly Rowland joining the coaching panel alongside Sir Tom Jones and McFly stars Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher. Insiders say producers are hopeful Cheryl will become a more permanent fixture on the show if all goes well.

Cheryl was left heartbroken last year when Liam Payne, the father of her seven-year-old son Bear, died after a fall from a hotel balcony while working abroad. His passing sent shockwaves through the music industry and devastated fans around the world.

“It’s bittersweet that Cheryl is going to be a guest judge so soon after Liam held the same role in one of his last projects before he died,” the source revealed, referencing Payne’s appearance in the upcoming Netflix series Building the Band, set to air this month. “She knows he would be supporting her every step of the way.”

Though she has faced career setbacks in the past — including a high-profile exit from the US version of The X Factor — Cheryl’s return is seen by many as a sign of resilience and a new chapter. ITV bosses are reportedly keen to harness her experience, charm and emotional connection with viewers.

As one insider put it: “Cheryl’s comeback is not just about television — it’s about rediscovering her voice, strength, and purpose. And with will.i.am by her side, she’s got the support she needs to make it happen.”

Her return to The Voice is expected to be one of the biggest talking points of the next season, and for Cheryl, it could mark the beginning of a powerful new era.