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 lead role of 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 part of Jenny, which is currently being played by Laura Whitmore.

But some unimpressed social media users hit out at Cheryl taking over the role, calling it ‘stunt casting’.

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

One user said: ‘All those amazing actors who they could have given the role to. Instead, they give it to some ‘celeb’ who has no acting experience.

‘She might be good, who knows, but if she wants to be an actor, she should start out with amdram’.

Another wrote: ‘Such a shame … A lot of talented trained actresses out there. And then you get her ..getting the part with no experience what so ever’.

One user added: ‘I am literally begging you guys at this point, please stop stunt casting, please.’

Character: The Girls Aloud singer has been announced as the new lead in the popular play, taking over the part of Jenny, which is currently being played by Laura Whitmore

Another user said the casting choice was ‘bizarre’ while one added: ‘I want to see this play so bad but I don’t want to see it with the stunt casting’.

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

Another added: ‘Would love to see this and Cheryl’.

Cheryl excitedly shared the news on Instagram, gushing that ‘it is a totally new experience for me.’

Reaction: Some unimpressed social media users hit out at Cheryl taking over the role, calling it ‘stunt casting’

Fans: However, others said they were looking forward to seeing Cheryl in the role, with one fan writing: ‘Amazing. Can’t wait to see’

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

‘Hey!!! .. I am SO excited to be starring in the west end thriller @222aghostst !! I will be playing the role of Jenny from January – April!’ Cheryl wrote on Instagram alongside her cast photo.

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

Coming soon: Cheryl will take over the rule of Jenny from January 21 until April 2023

West End debut: Cheryl excitedly shared the news on Instagram, gushing that ‘it is a totally new experience for me’

Best wishes: The news was met by an outpouring of messages from Cheryl’s famous friends, with Laura Whitmore, who is currently starring in the show, gushing: ‘It’s the best!!!’

The news was met by an outpouring of messages from Cheryl’s famous friends, with Laura Whitmore, who is currently starring in the show, gushing: ‘It’s the best!!! You’re going to love it.’

Giovanna Fletcher, who was also previously cast in the role, added: ‘Whoooooop!!! A fresh Jenny dance! 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.

Current star: Laura is currently starring in the play in the lead role

Acclaimed performance: 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 an Olivier nomination

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

They argue with their first dinner guests, old friend Lauren and new partner Ben and decide to stay awake until 2.22am to discover the truth.

Cheryl has maintained a low profile in recent years, focusing on her life as mum to son Bear, five, who she co=parents with ex Liam Payne.

Her most recent project was as a judge on BBC show The Greatest Dancer in 2019 – with the show axed in 2020 after two series.

Out of the public eye: Cheryl has maintained a low profile in recent years, focusing on her life as mum to her son Bear, five (pictured together in 2019)

The star gave a rare interview to Vogue earlier this year to talk about 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 apparent when she cancelled a planned performance at Birmingham Pride following the death of Sarah, 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.’

Tough time: The star gave a rare interview to Vogue earlier this year to talk about her late Girls Aloud bandmate Sarah Harding

Prior to this her nine-year association with French cosmetics brand L’Oreal , for whom she worked as a celebrity spokesperson, came to an end in 2018.

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

Her lengthy spell with Girls Aloud saw her bag 21 UK Top Ten singles – along them The Promise and Sound Of The Underground – and six Top Ten albums.