Cheryl makes her West End debut in Ghost Story: 2:22

Cheryl made her big West End debut at London’s Lyric Theater on Friday night in the production of Ghost Story: 2:22.

The 39-year-old hitmaker took the stage to kick off her three-month stint as the lead female role of Jenny, following roles from stars like Lily Allen and Laura Whitmore.

It comes as Cheryl responded to reports that the show got a late start due to dragging rehearsals, leaving ticket holders queuing outside in the cold while they waited.

On stage: Cheryl made her West End debut on Friday night during her first performance of Ghost Story: 2:22

Taking the stage, Cheryl donned a burgundy dress with a white floral print, a high neckline and long sleeves.

Her brown hair was tied up in a bun, with two sections falling to frame her face.

But when it came time for the call, fans were reportedly left waiting with Sun reporting that the guests waited more than 15 minutes for the late start.

However, a representative for Cheryl told MailOnline on Saturday: “The show started at 7:44pm and everyone was in their seats by that time.”

“It was a bit delayed because it’s the first preview and they were completely sold out, so there were a lot of people to get into the theater. The rehearsals were not overflowing at all.

Wardrobe: Going on stage, Cheryl donned a burgundy dress with a white floral print, a high neckline and long sleeves.

Stylish: Her brown tresses were pulled back into an updo, with two sections falling to frame her face.

Wardrobe: Going on stage, Cheryl donned a burgundy dress with a white floral print, a high neckline and long sleeves.

Looking forward to seeing Cheryl!  Crowds show up outside the venue before the show.

Looking forward to seeing Cheryl! Crowds show up outside the venue before the show.

Doing her thing: Cheryl broke down while sitting on stage with a glass of wine, performing alongside a co-star

Doing her thing: Cheryl broke down while sitting on stage with a glass of wine, performing alongside a co-star

Wait: When it was time for the call, fans were left waiting in Soho as the queue stretched three streets.

Wait: When it was time for the call, fans were left waiting in Soho as the queue stretched three streets.

The performance kicks off a three-month stint for the star, starting the new year off strong.

It has been claimed that Cheryl hopes to ‘reinvent herself’ with a big role on stage after a three-year hiatus out of the limelight.

A source said new! magazine: ‘Cheryl wants to reinvent herself in 2023. She was on TV all the time, she was the nation’s sweetheart. But she took a step back for a while to focus on being a mother.

‘She’s excited to be back. Some things that she has tried have not worked in the past, but this is a very exciting time for her.”

Popular: Many features are out of stock

Popular: Many features are out of stock

New Endeavor: The performance kicks off a three-month stint for the star, kicking off the new year with a bang.

New Endeavor: The performance kicks off a three-month stint for the star, kicking off the new year with a bang.

And Cheryl will reportedly pocket one of the highest fees in West End history for her part in the play, with sources claiming she’ll earn £750,000 for four months of work.

A source told The Sun: “The producers know this will get everyone talking, but it will be annoying.”

It was previously reported that Cheryl would earn at least £100,000 for her work in the play, despite facing criticism for her choice due to her lack of acting experience.

New look: It's been claimed that Cheryl hopes to 'reinvent herself' with a big stage role after a three-year hiatus out of the spotlight.

New look: It’s been claimed that Cheryl hopes to ‘reinvent herself’ with a big stage role after a three-year hiatus out of the spotlight.

paycheck!  And Cheryl will reportedly pocket one of the highest fees in West End history for her stint on the play, with sources claiming she'll earn £750,000 for four months of work.

paycheck! And Cheryl will reportedly pocket one of the highest fees in West End history for her stint on the play, with sources claiming she’ll earn £750,000 for four months of work.

After signing up to appear on 106 shows, The Sun reported earlier this week that an industry booker revealed: “Cheryl is earning around £1,000 a show.”

“The deal is for £100,000, but it will also be linked to ticket sales, so if she helps change around 80 per cent of the seats, she’ll be entitled to more money on top of that.”

Last month, she was announced as the new lead in the popular play, taking over the role of Jenny.

Cheryl emotionally shared the news on Instagram, saying “it’s a whole new experience for me.”

New Role: Last month, she was announced as the new lead in the popular play, taking over the role of Jenny.

New Role: Last month, she was announced as the new lead in the popular play, taking over the role of Jenny.