They’ve made no attempt to hide the fact they’ve been feuding for years, with Nadine Coyle confirming once again last month that she hasn’t kept in touch with any of her former bandmates – despite spending a decade together as one of the UK’s most successful pop groups.
And after it was announced last week that the ex-Girls Aloud singer, 34, is heading into the jungle for the latest series of I’m A Celeb!, insiders say Cheryl, 36, is nervous over what her former bandmate might divulge.
A source says, “Cheryl’s a bit shaken by the news because Nadine has always been brutally honest about her experiences with the band. With Nadine, what you see is what you get, but that’s not necessarily a good thing for Cheryl. She can’t help worrying emotions will run high in the jungle and things might just spill out.”
The show is renowned for its “fireside confessionals”, with emotional outpourings from campmates increasing as they bond over their shared jungle experience. And sources say notoriously private Cheryl is terrified of Nadine lifting the lid on the band’s secrets.
The source says, “It’s well known there’s no love lost between the two of them and Cheryl is concerned that Nadine might use going into the jungle as an opportunity to let off some steam.
“Nadine was part of the tight-knit group for 10 years before their bitter split, and probably knows more about Cheryl’s life back then than many of her loved ones. Understandably, Cheryl’s worried about what could come out about their shared history.”
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While Cheryl has remained close with Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh, 37 – with the friends celebrating Nicola’s 34th birthday together in London last week – Nadine and Sarah Harding have been noticeably absent from the group for some time now.
Reflecting on the frosty dynamics, Nadine admitted in an interview, “There was [a divide]. We’re all very, very different characters.
“It’s so sad for me to have to admit this stuff now, because for so long, there’s the band, and you want everybody to think we’re best friends... That’s what I wanted it to be, but it just wasn’t how it was.”
The Irish-born singer – who last month split from long-term partner Jason Bell, with whom she shares five-year-old daughter Anaiya – confirmed rift rumours when she maintained she’d been kept in the dark about the band’s decision to split in 2013.
Nadine went on to publicly slam their choice to call it quits, with a furious Cheryl later denying the claims, hitting back that she was “full of sh*t” in an interview.
CHECK OUT Cheryl's INSANE transformation through the years
Closer Cheryl's Transformation slider
1 of 542002 Cheryl Tweedy - Age 19
Cheryl Tweedy made her debut with pop band Girls Aloud in November 2002, while rocking the crazy noughties Fashion Trends.
2 of 542003 Cheryl Tweedy - Age 20
Cheryl (Tweedy) in her Girls Aloud days sporting the tomboy style tracks and sneakers.
3 of 542003 Cheryl Tweedy - Age 20
Cheryl as part of Girls Aloud.
4 of 542004 Cheryl Tweedy - Age 21
Cheryl slaying it in the tomboy baggy jeans and sneakers. And of cause the matching belt, top and earrings. And no outfit is complete 'till the pink sunnies come out.
5 of 542004 Cheryl Tweedy - Age 21
Who else would look this good sitting in a chair on stage performing on stage in quarters and flip flops?
6 of 542004 Cheryl Tweedy - Age 21
Ah yes, the not-so-invisible invisible bra straps that we all wore, especially with our little boob-tube tops.
7 of 542004 Cheryl Tweedy - Age 21
The LBB tasseled dress with heels that we all of 3cm high.
8 of 542005 Cheryl Tweedy - Age 22
With low cut jeans and crop top tees talking over fashion, Cheryl sure rocked this style!
9 of 542005 Cheryl Tweedy - Age 22
Looking back on fashion, early naughties were an absolute shocker! That dark brown, not quite maxi, not quite knee length skirt with pointed shoes did not do the mint green satin corset any favours. We still love you, though, Cheryl!
10 of 542005 Cheryl Tweedy - Age 22
Our girl Cheryl looking so happy, but oh dear! Looks like Girls Aloud girls were celebrating October fest... in July.
11 of 542005 Cheryl Tweedy- Age 22
That a lot of pink! The Girls Aloud group performed for the T4 Poll Winters' Party Smash Hits show.
12 of 542006 Cheryl Tweedy - Age 23
Cheryl arriving at the 2006 Alien Autopsy Premiere in an elegant evening coral dress, with a simple peep toe heel and shawl.
13 of 542006 Cheryl Cole - Age 23
YES! The highlight days! Still beautiful as ever in that champagne silk wrap dress with ex-hubby Ashley Cole.
14 of 542006 Cheryl Cole - Age 23
Cheryl means business at the movie premiere of 'It's A Boy Girl Thing' in support of Elton John's AIDS Foundation.
15 of 542007 Cheryl Cole - Age 24
Back to her dark shoulder length locks, Cheryl poses for Girls Aloud's new single 'Sexy! No No No'. With the pain white sleeved low cut top, Cheryl teases us with that little smirk!
16 of 542007 Cheryl Cole - Age 24
With her square cut dead straight locks, Cheryl plays the Sexy Librarian quite well! With that neutral lippy, giving just enough colour and her see through tank, we say YES to this look at the London Fashion week in '07.
17 of 542007 Cheryl Cole - Age 24
Cheryl appeared in style to the 2007 Samsung Launch for their new F20 Purple phone along side her girl squad. Dressed it a navy blue, knee length, body-con dress, she absolutely killed this entrance! Loving the neck line on this one, Cheryl.
18 of 542007 Cheryl Cole - Age 24
This stunner continues to stun us in a floor length sequined high neck dress at the 2007 British Red Cross Ball.
19 of 542008 Cheryl Cole - Age 25
Arriving at the '08 Brit Awards, Cheryl sure stood out in that yellow piece and barbie pink lip colour, but WOW does that work! STUNNING!
20 of 542008 Cheryl Cole - Age 25
Cheryl looked like she was in her element while walking the runway for the Fashion for Relief show during the London Fashion Week in '08. With a smile like that she definitely deserves the tiara!
21 of 542008 Cheryl Cole - Age 25
Cheryl wore quite the statement piece to the Girls Aloud Book Signing in '08. Making sure she gabbed the eyes of fellow fans, the yellow and black tiger stripped dress entrusted with that bright pink belt aught to do it!
22 of 542008 Cheryl Cole - Age 25
Cheryl Arriving at the National Television Awards wearing a a shoulder fall gown, with a pop of green down the bottom. This pin up hairstyle with the patterned chest and neck line is a win for sure!
23 of 542008 Cheryl Cole - Age 25
It be safe to say that by now, Cheryl has become a pro at making entrances. With the full head of long full locks and that killer smile, Cheryl was sure to turn heads as she entered the Music Industry Trusts' Awards in '08.
24 of 542009 Cheryl Cole - Age 26
From her music video 'Parachute' in 2009, Cheryl met Derek Hough and, although the pair didn't last, they sure look like they mean business. Especially in that dramatic layered black dress!
25 of 542009 Cheryl Cole - Age 26
Once again slaying at another entrance, Cheryl stuns us by showing off her long toned legs in this white textured a line mini dress.
26 of 542009 Cheryl Cole - Age 26
Cheryl sure showed us how she burlesques' while performing at the 2009 Brit awards.
27 of 542010 Cheryl Cole - Age 27
Cheryl with X Factor co-hosts after taking out the award for Most Popular Talent Show in 2010.
28 of 542010 Cheryl Cole - Age 27
Giving Tom Cruise a run for his money in these Aviators, Cheryl is looking hot as coming down those stairs at the 2010 Brit Awards!
29 of 542010 Cheryl Cole - Age 27
Cheryl rocks super skinny white wash denim jeans with a leather sleepless jacket looking absolutely fab!
30 of 542010 Cheryl Cole - Age 27
Cheryl performing songs from her first album as a solo artist at the opening of the Black Eyed Peas Concert in Dublin.
31 of 542010 Cheryl Cole - Age 27
Oh Yes! Cheryl giving us a it of a tease with the super high leg split in a simple-statement white dress arriving at the Annual Cannes Film Festival in '10. Love Love Love.
32 of 542011 Cheryl - Age 27
Sometimes simple is better, and Cheryl sure looked red hot arriving at the ELLE Style Awards in 2011.
33 of 542011 Cheryl- 28th Birthday
Celebrating in style on her 28th Birthday! This layered dress with a matching neckline, Cheryl surely out-dressed anyone and everyone at her bash, and so she should!
34 of 542011 Cheryl - Age 28
Cheryl nailed this colourful outfit at The X Factor.
35 of 542012 Cheryl- Age 28
Like the fiery star she is, Cheryl paired this number well with the all red accessories as she walked the red carpet!
36 of 542012 Cheryl - Age 28
Ah!! Those dimples! Who would fall involve with that.
37 of 542012 Cheryl -Age 28
Cheryl showed off her physique in this two-piece set, with sparkle finishings.
38 of 542013 Cheryl - Age 29
2013 saw the reunion of the Girls Aloud on their 'The Hits Tour 2013'.
39 of 542014 Cheryl Fernandez-Versini - Age 30
If anyone knows how to rock a Red Carpet, its Cheryl!
40 of 542014 Cheryl Fernandez-Versini - Age 30
Loving this more casual side of Cheryl. The tasseled jacked is a huge plus!
41 of 542015 Cheryl Fernandez-Versini - Age 31
Mid 2015, Cheryl posted a pic on her Insta wearing a 'MillyByMichelle' two piece. This flattering piece brings back memories of Yves Saint Laurent fall-winter collection in 1965 he the striped and blocked colours.
42 of 542015 Cheryl Fernandez-Versini - Age 31
Love this quirky do up and thigh high peep-toed leather boots. Right the way down to the black trimming on those winged sunnies.
43 of 542015 Cheryl Fernandez-Versini - Age 31
Forever turning heads, this lace tatted trail gown is just WOW!
44 of 542015 Cheryl Fernandez-Versini - Age 31
Paired with super high thigh high boots, this floral black mesh number is sexy, hot, diva-like and we like!
45 of 542016 Cheryl - Age 32
This sequinned striped jumpsuit just screams powerful and successful!
46 of 542016 Cheryl - Age 32
A more darker side to Cheryl, the perfect number for the Vogue 100 Gala Dinner in '16.
47 of 542016 Cheryl - Age 33
Mum-to-be Cheryl sure has a glow to her smile at the Gold Obsession Party in 2016 where she would have been around 4 months pregnant at the time with Bear!
48 of 542016 Cheryl - Age 33
Cheryl and then boyfriend Liam Payne cosy up.
49 of 542017 Cheryl - Age 34
At the #GAME4GRENFELL charity event, Cheryl looked super casual and super hot all at once. Red lips to match those red high waist A-line trousers.
50 of 542017 Cheryl - Age 34
In October of 2017, the mum of one walked the runway during the Le Defile L'Oreal Paris for the Womenswear Spring/Summer 2018 collection.
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51 of 542018 Cheryl - Aged 34
Putting rumours of a split behind them, Cheryl walked the red carpet at the BRIT Awards in a stunning LBD, accompanied with Liam Payne on her arm as they put on a very loved-up display.
52 of 542018 Cheryl - Aged 35
After announcing her split from Liam Payne in July, Cheryl showed off her shorter hair as she promoted her brand new single 'Love Made Me Do It' in November 2018.
53 of 542019 Cheryl - Aged 35
The former X Factor judge debuted another new look at the launch of new BBC show The Greatest Dancer in early 2019.
54 of 542019 Cheryl - Aged 35
The Geordie princess decided to lighten her hair a bit in March 2019, oozing glamour at an awards show.
Cheryl’s solo career has resulted in three successful albums, with the singer winning a new generation of fans during her time as an X Factor judge.
Meanwhile, Nadine’s attempt at going solo faltered – she admitted she “must have been drunk” after her first album Insatiable flopped in 2010.
But after Cheryl’s failed musical comeback last year – following a four-year hiatus and the birth of her son Bear with ex Liam Payne – pals say the Love Made Me Do It singer fears the tables may have turned, especially since Nadine received glowing reviews during her recent stint on Irish reality show, Living With Lucy, with fans praising her “down to earth” attitude.
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The source says, “Cheryl’s been a bit bruised by her recent fall from grace and is struggling with the backlash from fans. She’s fretting that, if Nadine goes down a storm in the jungle, she could end up leaving her in the shade. Friends can’t help thinking that it will be a bitter pill for her to swallow.”
And insiders say panicked Cheryl has reached out to former bandmate Sarah, who has remained friendly with Nadine, to help settle any bad blood before the show kicks off next month.
Our source adds, “Sarah’s assured Cheryl that Nadine isn’t interested in stirring up any drama. Cheryl’s praying that she’s right, and secretly hoping Nadine may even use the opportunity to hold out an olive branch.
Read more in this week's Closer magazine, out now