For years she was hailed as the nation’s sweetheart on The X Factor judging panel, winning over audiences with her down-to-earth persona and forging a close friendship with head judge Simon Cowell.
But as the new panel was unveiled last week – with radio DJ Nick Grimshaw and 24-year-old singer Rita Ora replacing Louis Walsh and Mel B – sources say Cheryl Fernandez-Versini is feeling under pressure.
Insiders say Simon was eager to sign Nick, 30, and former coach on The Voice Rita in a bid to boost weak ratings, hoping their star status and string of A-list pals – including Jay-Z, Kate Moss and Harry Styles – would inject some much needed “cool” back into the show.
Cheryl, 31, who’s being paid a reported £1.8m for the role, was all smiles as she posed with new judges Nick and Rita at a meeting in London last week. But pals say she is secretly panicking about being overshadowed by the latest recruits.
A source says: “Cheryl can’t wait to return to the series, but has told friends she’s nervous she won’t be able to bring the same cool factor as Rita or Nick.
At the meeting last week everyone got on well, while Simon, who was in LA, made an appearance on Skype. Nick and Rita are good pals and were joking about the last time they partied together and Cheryl felt a bit sidelined – although she didn’t show it.”
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