Cheryl faces criticism for being cast in 2:22 A Ghost Story despite not having acting experience

Cheryl has faced criticism for being cast in the title role of the West End play 2:22 A Ghost Story despite not having much acting experience.

The Girls Aloud singer, 39, has been announced as the new lead in the popular play, taking over the role of Jenny, currently played by Laura Whitmore.

But some unimpressed social media users criticized Cheryl taking on the role, calling it ‘stunt casting’.

One user said: ‘All those amazing actors who could have been cast. Instead, they give it to some ‘celebrity’ who has no acting experience.

‘She may be good, who knows, but if she wants to be an actress, she should start with amdram.’

Another wrote: ‘Shame… There are so many talented trained actresses out there. And then you get her… landing the part of her with absolutely no experience at all.

One user added: “I’m literally begging you guys right now please stop throwing stunts please.”

Another user called the casting choice “weird” while one added: “I really want to see this play, but I don’t want to see it with the stunt cast.”

However, others said they were looking forward to seeing Cheryl in the role, with one fan writing: ‘Amazing. I can not wait to see.

Another added: “I would love to see this and Cheryl.”

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

The star previously played herself in the Hollywood film What To Expect When You’re Expecting and had a small role as a ruthless music agent in the 2020 film Four Kids And It.

‘Hears!!! .. I’m SO excited to be starring in the West End thriller @222aghostst! I’ll play the role of Jenny from January to April!’ Cheryl wrote on Instagram alongside the cast photo of her.

‘I went to see the show with a previous cast and I LOVED it! It’s a totally new and exciting experience for me, so if you’re looking for a fun night out and some entertainment on your new year, tickets are available now…whenever you’re ready! #222ghost story.’

The news was met with a flurry of messages from Cheryl’s famous friends, with Laura Whitmore, who currently stars on the show, saying: ‘She’s the best! You’re going to love it.

Giovanna Fletcher, who was also previously cast in the role, added: “Wow! ¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ A fresh dance from Jenny! Welcome to the family. Xx’

Lily Allen was the first to take on the role of Jenny when the West End play opened in the summer of 2021. The singer earned rave reviews and a Best Actress nomination at the Olivier Awards.

The play follows Jenny, who believes her new home is haunted, but her husband Sam is skeptical.

They argue with their first dinner guests, old friend Lauren and new partner Ben, and decide to stay up until 2:22 am to find out the truth.

Cheryl has kept a low profile in recent years, focusing on her life as the mother of her five-year-old son Bear, whom she shares with her ex Liam Payne.

His most recent project was as a judge on the BBC show The Greatest Dancer in 2019, with the show being dropped in 2020 after two series.

The star gave a rare interview to Vogue earlier this year to discuss her late Girls Aloud bandmate Sarah Harding, who died in September 2021 after a battle with breast cancer.

Cheryl’s withdrawal from public life was evident when she canceled a planned performance at Birmingham Pride following Sarah’s death, just weeks before the event was scheduled to take place.

The tragedy also resulted in Cheryl shelving her new 12-part BBC podcast, You, Me and R&B, after just four episodes, with the project already drawing criticism for its perceived use of ‘cultural appropriation’.

Prior to this, her nine-year association with the French cosmetics brand L’Oreal, for which she worked as a celebrity spokesperson, ended in 2018.

The Newcastle-born singer previously had a brilliant solo career, with number one hits including Fight For This Love, Call My Name and Promise This.

Her long stint with Girls Aloud led to 21 UK Top Ten singles, along with The Promise and Sound Of The Underground, and six Top Ten albums.