Cheryl Cole is reportedly preparing for a return to television nearly two years after the death of Liam Payne, the father of her nine-year-old son, Bear. Sources indicate she is in advanced talks to join the upcoming series of ITV’s talent show The Voice UK as a coach, with filming expected to begin next month. Alongside this anticipated television comeback, Cole will also front a new skincare campaign for Nivea in a deal believed to be worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Cole, 43, has spent recent years out of the public eye, focusing on raising Bear and maintaining privacy following Payne’s tragic death in 2024. Payne, a former member of boy band One Direction, died in Buenos Aires after a binge involving drugs and alcohol. Since then, Cole has largely avoided media exposure and retreated from television work. Her decision to re-enter the entertainment industry appears motivated by a desire to reconnect with her career and provide a positive example for her son, who has never seen her on television.
The Voice UK is seen as a suitable platform for Cole’s return due to its pre-recorded format and focus on music coaching, which aligns with her previous experience. Several sources close to Cole suggest she feels strong enough to re-engage with the public and that the opportunity will allow her to do something she once loved while keeping Bear’s wellbeing a priority. ITV executives reportedly have sought to bring her back to British television for years, viewing her involvement as a potential ratings boost.
Cole’s early career was marked by significant success, beginning as a contestant on the talent show Popstars: The Rivals in 2002 and rising to fame as a member of the girl group Girls Aloud. Her popularity grew further through her role as a judge on The X Factor UK, where she first met Payne during a 2008 series when he auditioned as a teenager. Their relationship developed years later, resulting in the birth of their son.
Her personal life has seen considerable upheaval, including a high-profile marriage and subsequent divorce from England and Chelsea footballer Ashley Cole, which ended amid reports of his infidelities. She also had a brief marriage in 2014 to French restaurateur Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini. Cole’s romance with Payne drew media attention, and his death has been a profound loss for her family.
Professionally, Cole experienced setbacks after being dropped from the American version of The X Factor in 2011, with executives citing concerns over her accent and perceived lack of chemistry with fellow judges. She formed a close friendship with Will.i.am, the frontman of the Black Eyed Peas and a longstanding judge on The Voice UK, who is expected to be alongside her on the show.
As Cole prepares for this new chapter, insiders note that the television return will differ significantly from her earlier public life, which was characterized by frequent media interaction and high-profile coverage. Now, her focus remains on balancing work with motherhood while maintaining a more private personal life.