As the fall season ushers in new television hits, American audiences will soon meet Cheryl Cole, the latest judge on “The X Factor.” Known across the UK as a pop star, reality show veteran, and style icon, Cheryl’s debut is eagerly anticipated—and here’s what stateside fans should know about her before the show airs. Cheryl’s fame in the UK rose quickly, largely due to her time with the girl group Girls Aloud, her chart-topping singles, and her sharp judging style that makes her a formidable partner to Simon Cowell. Here are five interesting facts about Cheryl Cole that shed light on her life, career, and the impact she’s had on British pop culture.
#1. A Geordie by Birth: Cheryl’s Newcastle Roots
Born on June 30, 1983, in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, Cheryl Cole’s Geordie roots shaped her distinct accent, which has become one of her trademarks on British TV. Known for her Newcastle slang, Cheryl’s thick accent often throws even her British fans, but her charm more than makes up for it. Her humble beginnings in Newcastle have remained a touchstone throughout her career, grounding her even amid worldwide fame.
#2. The First Girl Aloud
Cheryl first found fame as the inaugural member of the British girl group Girls Aloud in 2002, formed on the reality show “Popstars: The Rivals.” With hits like “Sound of the Underground,” the group quickly became one of the UK’s biggest-selling girl groups, with Cheryl at the forefront. Girls Aloud achieved twenty consecutive top-ten singles, making Cheryl an early favorite in British pop culture even before she ventured out with her solo career in 2009.
#3. A Life-Threatening Malaria Scare
In 2010, Cheryl faced a serious health crisis after contracting malaria on a trip to Tanzania. Shortly after her return, she was hospitalized with severe symptoms, and her condition deteriorated rapidly. Doctors warned that she had less than 24 hours to live, but Cheryl defied the odds and made a full recovery. Since then, she has raised awareness about malaria prevention and has spoken candidly about the experience as one of the most challenging times in her life.
#4. Immortalized in Wax at Madame Tussauds
Cheryl’s impact on British culture earned her a waxwork figure at Madame Tussauds London, an honor reserved for stars with a significant public presence. Her only request? That her wax double not be placed near Simon Cowell‘s. The wax figure stands as a testament to her enduring influence, with fans flocking to the museum for a photo with Cheryl’s look-alike.
#5. A Celebrity Romance with Liam Payne
Cheryl’s high-profile relationship with Liam Payne of One Direction fame made headlines across the globe. The two began dating in 2016 and welcomed their son, Bear Grey Payne, on March 22, 2017. Although they announced their split in 2018, Cheryl remains dedicated to raising their son and maintains a close bond with Payne, keeping the media and fans alike intrigued by this iconic pop pairing.
