logo
Inside Cheryl and will.i.am's ‘close friendship' amid romance rumours as The Voice reunion revealed

Inside Cheryl and will.i.am's ‘close friendship' amid romance rumours as The Voice reunion revealed

Scottish Sun14 hours ago
The star is set for a comeback after five years away from the spotlight
soul mates Inside Cheryl and will.i.am's 'close friendship' amid romance rumours as The Voice reunion revealed
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
POP royalty Cheryl Tweedy could be teaming up with her long-time confidant Will.i.am.
Superstar Cheryl and the Black Eyed Peas icon worked closely together from 2008 to 2016 - with rumours of a relationship more than just professional.
Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter
Sign up
8
The superstar singer is making a long-awaited comeback following the death of her ex
Credit: Splash
8
Will.i.am is thought to have recruited Cheryl to work with him on The Voice
Credit: ITV
The former X Factor judge is set for her long-awaited TV return after 5 years - following the shock death of ex Liam Payne.
The Girls Aloud singer is being lined up for the 14th series, reuniting with long-time mentor Will.i.am on The Voice.
The rapper and producer rallied round Cheryl following the traumatic death of Liam Payne, father to her son Bear.
When they parted ways musically almost ten years ago, Cheryl admitted she still turned to him for support when she needed.
The reality TV judge, who made a guest appearance for Will.i.am on his tour, said at the time: "I still ask him his advice, play him tracks and stuff."
In 2010, Will.i.am - who helped produce Fight For This Love - said: 'She has a big heart. She's kind and humble and likes music.'
The producer's mum admitted previously that their friendship had 'turned into love'.
Debra Cain revealed: 'Will is very fond of her. He says she's an amazing woman.
'His feelings for her have definitely grown from friendship into love and I believe they're good for each other. I give them my blessing. She seems like such a nice girl."
Mrs Cain continued: 'I can't wait to meet Cheryl. My son has told me so many good things about her.
Cheryl Tweedy set for sensational TV return after five years as she rebuilds career after shock death of ex Liam Payne
"Will has promised to take us all out for a meal together next time the two of them are in LA.'
Following her heartbreaking split from former husband Ashley Cole in 2010, Will.i.am supported: 'I still can't believe Cheryl was ever cheated on. What has to be going through your head to cheat on her?
'Once you have her, a man can't do any better. She's a real good girl and when you get a girl like her, you do everything you can to keep her and don't go fooling around.'
As well as singing a duet for 3 WORDS in 2009, the duo worked on tracks Heartbreaker and Check It Out together.
The pair formed a close friendship after she collaborated with him on his Top 10 solo single Heartbreaker in 2008 and later supported The Black Eyed Peas on tour.
Back in 2011, Will.i.am was hired to manage the then Cheryl Cole.
They racked up four UK No.1 singles before going on a hiatus.
He was brought in to launch her career Stateside, but instead found himself picking up the pieces when Simon Cowell fired her from The X Factor USA.
8
The producer and Cheryl formed a strong bond after working together for years
Credit: Getty
8
Cheryl parted ways with Will.i.am in 2013 but still turned to him for advice
Credit: Getty - Contributor
By 2013, Cheryl had parted ways with Will and she went on to marry Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini in 2014.
In 2016, her pal Will.i.am said: "Cheryl is the best, I love her a lot. I would like to see her happy, steady, constant.
"Cheryl is the kind of person who will always be happy if she has a steady foreverness."
He told Fabulous magazine in 2017 about their relationship which would never break - despite their distance.
He said: "I think when you're close to somebody you're always close, but I think we're just… We're gravitating to new things.
"Of course we're still friends. I don't know where she hangs out – she doesn't hang out so much any more. I'm happy for her though."
In 2019, the pair were both starring on separate TV shows, but he reached out and showed their bond was still strong.
Will.i.am shared on social media: "@CherylOfficial it looks like both of our shows #theVOICEuk on @itv & #thegreatestdancer on the @bbc are on at the same time...
"I have 3WORDS for the both of us...(Good luck tonight) I'm proud of you!!!"
Parachute singer Cheryl penned back: "I love you."
The upcoming ITV series of The Voice is expected to air in early 2026 and bosses are hoping to convince Cheryl to sign up to the show ­permanently.
It will be her first TV appearance since being a judge on BBC's The Greatest Dancer, which was axed in 2020.
Cheryl's talent show career started on Popstars: The Rivals when she was voted by the public to be a member of new band Girls Aloud in 2002.
Simon Cowell snapped her up as a judge on The X Factor aged 24.
He then took her to LA for the US version, but she was sacked after just one episode.
Musician Will formed The Black Eyed Peas in 1992, when he was 17, alongside apl.de.ap and childhood friend, Taboo (Jaime Luis Gomez). In 2003 they recruited Fergie (Stacy Ferguson).
Their first major hit came soon after, with Where Is The Love? featuring Justin Timberlake spending six weeks at No.1 in the UK.
He was previously dating Celebrity Big Brother star Casey Batchelor in 2014.
In the past, he has also been linked to Torn hitmaker Natalie Imbruglia.
8
Cheryl and Will.i.am have remained close despite living separate lives
Credit: Darren Fletcher - The Sun
8
The pair shared a very close friendship and are thought to be teaming up again
Credit: Getty
8
The singer is set to make her mark alongside Will.i.am on The Voice
Credit: Getty
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Ozzy Osbourne charging fans thousands for photo and autograph package
Ozzy Osbourne charging fans thousands for photo and autograph package

Daily Mirror

time3 hours ago

  • Daily Mirror

Ozzy Osbourne charging fans thousands for photo and autograph package

EXCLUSIVE: Frontman Ozzy Osbourne will end his performing days this weekend, then head to an event where he'll pose with fans for big payday with family Ozzy Osbourne super-fans will have to fork out more than £1,400 for the metal icon to sign a microphone or guitar at an upcoming event, and nearly £1,000 for a photograph with him. The Black Sabbath frontman, 76, will perform for the final time on Saturday alongside his bandmates - Tony Iommi, 77, Geezer Butler, 75, and Bill Ward, 77 - at Villa Park, Aston, in a farewell heavy metal show called Back to the Beginning. ‌ But a week later he will head 12 miles down road to Comic Con Midlands, at Birmingham's NEC, where the Prince of Darkness and his family - wife and former X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne, 72, their daughter Kelly Osbourne, 40, and son Jack Osbourne, 39 - will meet and have photographs taken with die-hard fans on Saturday, July 12. ‌ Supporters will have to spend £666 - often referred to as the number of the beast in heavy metal circles - for the top-tier Ultimate Sin VIP Package at Comic Con Midlands. For that, fans will receive a group professional photo opportunity with Ozzy, Sharon, Kelly and Jack - whose fame increased in 2002 thanks to their The Osbournes reality TV show - but it is limited to two people per photo. However, under-5s are not included in the restriction. Ultimate Sin VIP package purchasers will also receive separate 8x10 signed photos of the quartet, and will be given the option to purchase a solo professional photo opportunity with Ozzy and the Paranoid singer's autograph - if they pay more. Anyone wanting Ozzy to sign their microphone or guitar will have to spend £750 for the privilege, meaning they will have spent £1,416 in total, including the Ultimate Sin VIP package. And fans can have a professional photo with Ozzy - who is suffering from Parkinson's disease - for £300, but they will have spent a total of £966 including the top-tier package. The rock god will also sign an album, toy or poster for £375, or a book for £225 - for supporters with VIP package status - according to a Comic Con Midlands Facebook post. In response to the event's pricing structure announcement, one Facebook user wrote: "Laughable prices, genuinely laughable" ‌ Another posted: "Time to start selling me kidney" One posted: "Do we have to get VIP to meet Ozzy or can we meet him solo?" Comic Con Midlands replied: "You'll need the VIP package." In contrast, Sex Pistols legend John Lydon - AKA Johnny Rotten - is charging a far more modest £90 for a pre-show meet and greet - including a photograph, autograph, and goody bag - on various dates of his I Could Be Wrong, I Could Be Right spoken word tour later this year. ‌ At Comic Con Midlands, a photograph with American thrash metallers Scott Ian and Frank Bello from Anthrax - who will also be playing at Black Sabbath's farewell show on Saturday - is priced at £110, and Slipknot fans will only have to pay £60 for a picture with the metal band's turntablist Sid Wilson. What's more, a photograph with Ozzy's wife Sharon is priced at £80, and snaps with Kelly or Jack are £60. Former Celebrity Big Brother star Sharon will also sign an autograph for £60, while Kelly and Jack's signatures are £40 apiece. On Saturday, original Sabbath members Ozzy, Tony, Geezer and Bill will be reunited at Back to the Beginning for the first time in 20 years. Ozzy said: 'It's my final encore; it's my chance to say thank you to my fans for always supporting me and being there for me.' Ozzy now has Parkinson's disease and has struggled for ill health for a number of years and so is unable to play a full live show.

EastEnders' Lorraine Stanley looks slimmer than ever as she shows off five stone weight loss on dog walk
EastEnders' Lorraine Stanley looks slimmer than ever as she shows off five stone weight loss on dog walk

Scottish Sun

time6 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

EastEnders' Lorraine Stanley looks slimmer than ever as she shows off five stone weight loss on dog walk

Lorraine recently hit back after a cruel troll branded her a 'grandma' following her weight loss lor blimey EastEnders' Lorraine Stanley looks slimmer than ever as she shows off five stone weight loss on dog walk Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LORRAINE Stanley looked incredible as she showed off her impressive five stone weight loss during a dog walk. The 49-year-old actress recently overhauled her body and has been refreshingly honest about how she shed the pounds - confessing to having a gastric sleeve operation. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Lorraine looked incredible as she showed off her five stone weight loss Credit: Splash 4 The actress made the most of the heatwave during a walk with her dog Credit: Splash 4 Lorraine revealed she underwent a gastric sleeve operation Credit: Instagram Former EastEnders star Lorraine flaunted the results of her hard work while making the most of the heatwave as she took her pooch for a stroll. Lorraine looked stylish in a blue dress that was nipped in at the waist and fell to just above the knee. She covered up in a pair of huge sunglasses and teamed her outfit with some casual flip flops. It was revealed in July 2023 that Lorraine was being written out of EastEnders after playing iconic character Karen Taylor for seven years. She later opened up about her sudden exit from the soap, confessing to experiencing a 'mix of emotions' after receiving the news. Lorraine told The Sun: 'I was sad, it was a mix of emotions, it's sad but it's exciting as now I can go and do what I want. "You can get a bit relaxed there and a bit comfortable. So I want to be out of my comfort zone. 'I just want people to remember her as the best mum on the square, a heart of gold, she'd give you her last fiver and would do anything for her kids - a bit like myself.' But it wasn't long before Lorraine landed a huge new role, in gritty British film Departures. She starred alongside fellow soap legends Hollyoaks hunk David Tag and Coronation Street's Kimberly Hart-Simpson. EastEnders' Lorraine Stanley looks slimmer than ever after dramatic five stone weight loss Last week Lorraine was forced to hit back after a cruel troll branded her a "grandma" following her incredible weight loss. In a new TikTok video, she danced with daughter Nancy and even included '#motherdaughter' on her post. That didn't stop one person from making a savage assumption, when they wrote: 'Is that your granddaughter?' But actress Lorraine was quick to hit back: 'Daughter. #motherdaughter is a bit of a clue."

I was at Diddy's freak-offs. This is what happened
I was at Diddy's freak-offs. This is what happened

Telegraph

time7 hours ago

  • Telegraph

I was at Diddy's freak-offs. This is what happened

Sharay Hayes is 6ft 2, rippling with muscles and nicknamed 'The Punisher'. In 2015, working as an exotic dancer at the top of his game, he was described by the New York Post as giving Channing Tatum 'a run for his money'. The Punisher, whose Instagram profile is all abs, leather and chains, partied with some of America's most beautiful women, hunkiest men and biggest stars. He never thought that his glamorous lifestyle would lead him to a courtroom, in which jurors would be shown footage of him having sex with the R&B singer Cassie Ventura during the sex trafficking trial of Sean 'Diddy' Combs. On Wednesday, Combs was cleared of racketeering conspiracy, and two counts of sex trafficking. He was convicted on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. He denied all charges. The mogul was accused of intimidating women, including Ventura, into participating in 'freak-offs'. A jury decided on Wednesday that this was not the case. The parties were days-long, drug-fuelled orgies with male escorts, in which participants rubbed baby oil on each other and had sex as Combs watched. Prosecution lawyers had previously claimed Combs was the 'leader of a criminal enterprise', who 'doesn't take no for an answer'. Combs's team had argued that he was simply into the swinging lifestyle. For Mr Hayes, his first entanglement with the music mogul and performer 'Diddy' began on the evening of Oct 14, 2012. That night, he received a call from a woman named 'Janet', asking for a male dancer to entertain her and some friends, he told The Telegraph. He packed up and travelled to the Trump International Hotel in midtown Manhattan for the 3am booking. But when a 'stunning woman' with an 'inviting smile' greeted him at the door of the suite in nothing but a bathrobe, he soon realised he was walking into an entirely different scenario. 'She immediately explained to me that she was not looking for a dance performance, that she wanted to set up this sexy scene where we would sit on couches adjacent from each other and put baby oil on in a sexy manner, and at some point her husband would come out and watch,' he said. She handed him $800 in cash – four times the fee he had quoted for a dance – and he agreed, he said. Mr Hayes has since said he would like to apologise to Ventura for his role in these nights, which she claimed she did not want to take part in. He says he was not aware of this. Ventura was just 19 when she first met the rapper and was quickly signed to his label, Bad Boy Records. She claims that he pressured her to sleep with other men, sometimes for days at a time, and was physically, financially and psychologically abusive to her. During the trial, the court heard testimony from the singer in which she claimed she had been pushed to her limits during the sessions, at one point blacking out and waking up in the shower, and also being forced to have sex while suffering from infections. The court was shown a video of the rapper beating her and dragging her by her hair in a hotel in 2016. She claimed that the CCTV clip was captured as she attempted to leave one of these sessions: 'Freak-offs became a job where there was no space to do anything else but to recover and just try to feel normal again.' Recounting the night he first met Ventura in 2012, Mr Hayes, 51, said after agreeing to take part, he was told to go into the bathroom and take off his clothes and come out nude or in a towel. The room was dimly lit with candles and the furniture was covered in sheets, which he now realises was to protect it from being damaged by baby oil. 'I was instructed to sit on one single chair that was kind of adjacent to a sofa, she positioned herself on the sofa, and then we began to do the baby oil... I would put it on myself, she's putting it on herself, we would put [it] on each other, and then there were sexual gestures of self pleasuring and stuff like that to try to set the mood,' he said. Eventually Combs, who he believed was Ventura's husband, and says he did not realise at the time was the A-list musician, came out completely nude, with a niqab covering his face, and sat in a chair around 12 to 15ft away. 'It was very strange, just the idea of understanding a partner would come in was already strange but, seeing his face completely covered, it threw me off,' he said. Combs would give them directions, Mr Hayes said, mainly based on the lighting and the positioning of their bodies, or if he wanted them to apply more baby oil. 'It was clear that this scene was based on his preference and something that he enjoyed,' he said. The 'scene' lasted around 25 to 35 minutes, when Combs left the room, Ventura followed. Five minutes later she returned and told him it had been 'perfect', and asked him if he would like to finish, he says. He declined, and she handed him an extra $1,200. A few months later, Ventura called him again and they carried out the same scenario with the baby oil, but this time had sex. He would see the couple around eight to 12 times over a two-and-a-half-year period, and would be paid between $1,200 to $2,000 each time. Each session would last for a minimum of four hours, he said, with the sexual activity lasting up to 45 minutes. Sometimes Combs would leave the room, Ventura would follow, and then they would return and Mr Hayes would be asked to resume. During one session, when Mr Hayes and Ventura were having intercourse on the bed, Combs 'slammed' a stack of hundred dollar bills down 'in approval', he said. '[Ventura] kind of looked at him... to gauge was he okay or whatever, and he just says, 'I'm fine. I like that s---, I'm enjoying this s---.'' Mr Hayes said he never saw Combs being aggressive towards Ventura, and she did not appear as though she was being forced to take part in the sexual acts. There were moments she appeared 'frustrated' and would sigh, but he said these were in response to Combs's directions, which could be as specific as telling her to move a candle slightly to the left. Mr Hayes said he did not discover who the celebrity couple were until around 15 months after their first encounter, when he saw a sign on the television at JW Marriott Essex House saying: 'Welcome Mr Sean Combs.' His final encounter with the couple took place in 2015 after an extended break. Mr Hayes explained he felt uncomfortable and was unable to perform sexually, and they did not call again. He has since written a self-help book on erectile dysfunction called In Search of Freezer Meat, which included an anonymised passage about the couple. Mr Hayes said he did not feel used, but felt 'special' that this high-profile couple had chosen him. 'Now in hindsight, I know I was one of many and it kind of killed that, burst that bubble, but in the moment I thought it was something to be honoured to be a part of,' he said. Testifying in court last month was a nerve-wracking experience, Mr Hayes said, adding that he was physically shaking when he took the stand. He avoided eye contact with Combs until the end of his testimony, when they nodded at each other as he left the courtroom. On Wednesday, Combs was accused, and found guilty of, transporting male escorts across state lines to engage in the 'freak-offs'. But he was cleared of the most serious charges. Initially, Mr Hayes was confused why he had been called to testify, as he did not witness physical abuse and did not travel across state lines for these encounters. But his role in the case became more apparent when the jury was played videos of 'freak-offs', which Mr Hayes said he was unaware had been filmed. 'I had no idea anything was possibly filmed, so it's a surprise to me to know that there is video footage,' he said, adding: 'It creates a degree of worry.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store