Cheryl reveals important reason she took a break from the spotlight
"I won't spend time on anything that makes me feel stressed or nervous. I haven't got the energy."
There was once a point when you couldn't flick on the TV, listen to the radio, or read a paper without seeing or hearing former Girls Aloud star Cheryl. But following her judging role on The Greatest Dancer, the mum-of-one decided to take an extended break from the world of showbiz, spending some quality time with her son Bear Grey Payne in the process.
However, after breaking her year-long social media silence earlier this month, the 37-year-old has now emerged back into the spotlight, most recently becoming the brand new face of Feel vitamins.
Cheryl, who is due to celebrate her 38th birthday at the end of the month, has opened up to Marie Claire to express the real reason she took some well-needed time off over the last 18 months.
Admitting she doesn't want to be as busy as she once was, Chez said: "I'm not doing that to myself again. I'm only going to do stuff that makes me truly happy. I think life falls into place when you focus on that intent. Only happiness. Only authenticity. I won't spend time on anything that makes me feel stressed or nervous. I haven't got the energy."
Revealing the pandemic has given her time to reflect on her life, the former X Factor judge added: "It's not worth it. The pandemic actually taught us that. You speak to people now and they don't want to go back to their normal lives.
"I think we've learnt a really valuable lesson, as horrible and tragic and despicable as it was, and it brought a lot of awareness and self reflection, for the better. It's about what's important, and what makes you happy, and what makes you miserable."
Check out Cheryl's different looks across the years:
2002 Cheryl Tweedy - Age 19
Cheryl Tweedy made her debut with pop band Girls Aloud in November 2002, while rocking the crazy noughties Fashion Trends.
2003 Cheryl Tweedy - Age 20
Cheryl (Tweedy) in her Girls Aloud days sporting the tomboy style tracks and sneakers.
2003 Cheryl Tweedy - Age 20
Cheryl as part of Girls Aloud.
2004 Cheryl Tweedy - Age 21
Cheryl slaying it in the tomboy baggy jeans and sneakers. And of cause the matching belt, top and earrings. And no outfit is complete 'till the pink sunnies come out.
2004 Cheryl Tweedy - Age 21
Who else would look this good sitting in a chair on stage performing on stage in quarters and flip flops?
2004 Cheryl Tweedy - Age 21
Ah yes, the not-so-invisible invisible bra straps that we all wore, especially with our little boob-tube tops.
2004 Cheryl Tweedy - Age 21
The LBB tasseled dress with heels that we all of 3cm high.
2005 Cheryl Tweedy - Age 22
With low cut jeans and crop top tees talking over fashion, Cheryl sure rocked this style!
2005 Cheryl Tweedy - Age 22
Looking back on fashion, early naughties were an absolute shocker! That dark brown, not quite maxi, not quite knee length skirt with pointed shoes did not do the mint green satin corset any favours. We still love you, though, Cheryl!
2005 Cheryl Tweedy - Age 22
Our girl Cheryl looking so happy, but oh dear! Looks like Girls Aloud girls were celebrating October fest... in July.
2005 Cheryl Tweedy- Age 22
That a lot of pink! The Girls Aloud group performed for the T4 Poll Winters' Party Smash Hits show.
2006 Cheryl Tweedy - Age 23
Cheryl arriving at the 2006 Alien Autopsy Premiere in an elegant evening coral dress, with a simple peep toe heel and shawl.
2006 Cheryl Cole - Age 23
YES! The highlight days! Still beautiful as ever in that champagne silk wrap dress with ex-hubby Ashley Cole.
2006 Cheryl Cole - Age 23
Cheryl means business at the movie premiere of 'It's A Boy Girl Thing' in support of Elton John's AIDS Foundation.
2007 Cheryl Cole - Age 24
Back to her dark shoulder length locks, Cheryl poses for Girls Aloud's new single 'Sexy! No No No'. With the pain white sleeved low cut top, Cheryl teases us with that little smirk!
2007 Cheryl Cole - Age 24
With her square cut dead straight locks, Cheryl plays the Sexy Librarian quite well! With that neutral lippy, giving just enough colour and her see through tank, we say YES to this look at the London Fashion week in '07.
2007 Cheryl Cole - Age 24
Cheryl appeared in style to the 2007 Samsung Launch for their new F20 Purple phone along side her girl squad. Dressed it a navy blue, knee length, body-con dress, she absolutely killed this entrance! Loving the neck line on this one, Cheryl.
2007 Cheryl Cole - Age 24
This stunner continues to stun us in a floor length sequined high neck dress at the 2007 British Red Cross Ball.
2008 Cheryl Cole - Age 25
Arriving at the '08 Brit Awards, Cheryl sure stood out in that yellow piece and barbie pink lip colour, but WOW does that work! STUNNING!
2008 Cheryl Cole - Age 25
Cheryl looked like she was in her element while walking the runway for the Fashion for Relief show during the London Fashion Week in '08. With a smile like that she definitely deserves the tiara!
2008 Cheryl Cole - Age 25
Cheryl wore quite the statement piece to the Girls Aloud Book Signing in '08. Making sure she gabbed the eyes of fellow fans, the yellow and black tiger stripped dress entrusted with that bright pink belt aught to do it!
2008 Cheryl Cole - Age 25
Cheryl Arriving at the National Television Awards wearing a a shoulder fall gown, with a pop of green down the bottom. This pin up hairstyle with the patterned chest and neck line is a win for sure!
2008 Cheryl Cole - Age 25
It be safe to say that by now, Cheryl has become a pro at making entrances. With the full head of long full locks and that killer smile, Cheryl was sure to turn heads as she entered the Music Industry Trusts' Awards in '08.
2009 Cheryl Cole - Age 26
From her music video 'Parachute' in 2009, Cheryl met Derek Hough and, although the pair didn't last, they sure look like they mean business. Especially in that dramatic layered black dress!
2009 Cheryl Cole - Age 26
Once again slaying at another entrance, Cheryl stuns us by showing off her long toned legs in this white textured a line mini dress.
2009 Cheryl Cole - Age 26
Cheryl sure showed us how she burlesques' while performing at the 2009 Brit awards.
2010 Cheryl Cole - Age 27
Cheryl with X Factor co-hosts after taking out the award for Most Popular Talent Show in 2010.
2010 Cheryl Cole - Age 27
Giving Tom Cruise a run for his money in these Aviators, Cheryl is looking hot as coming down those stairs at the 2010 Brit Awards!
2010 Cheryl Cole - Age 27
Cheryl rocks super skinny white wash denim jeans with a leather sleepless jacket looking absolutely fab!
2010 Cheryl Cole - Age 27
Cheryl performing songs from her first album as a solo artist at the opening of the Black Eyed Peas Concert in Dublin.
2010 Cheryl Cole - Age 27
Oh Yes! Cheryl giving us a it of a tease with the super high leg split in a simple-statement white dress arriving at the Annual Cannes Film Festival in '10. Love Love Love.
2011 Cheryl - Age 27
Sometimes simple is better, and Cheryl sure looked red hot arriving at the ELLE Style Awards in 2011.
2011 Cheryl- 28th Birthday
Celebrating in style on her 28th Birthday! This layered dress with a matching neckline, Cheryl surely out-dressed anyone and everyone at her bash, and so she should!
2011 Cheryl - Age 28
Cheryl nailed this colourful outfit at The X Factor.
2012 Cheryl- Age 28
Like the fiery star she is, Cheryl paired this number well with the all red accessories as she walked the red carpet!
2012 Cheryl - Age 28
Ah!! Those dimples! Who would fall involve with that.
2012 Cheryl -Age 28
Cheryl showed off her physique in this two-piece set, with sparkle finishings.
2013 Cheryl - Age 29
2013 saw the reunion of the Girls Aloud on their 'The Hits Tour 2013'.
2014 Cheryl Fernandez-Versini - Age 30
If anyone knows how to rock a Red Carpet, its Cheryl!
2014 Cheryl Fernandez-Versini - Age 30
Loving this more casual side of Cheryl. The tasseled jacked is a huge plus!
2015 Cheryl Fernandez-Versini - Age 31
Mid 2015, Cheryl posted a pic on her Insta wearing a 'MillyByMichelle' two piece. This flattering piece brings back memories of Yves Saint Laurent fall-winter collection in 1965 he the striped and blocked colours.
2015 Cheryl Fernandez-Versini - Age 31
Love this quirky do up and thigh high peep-toed leather boots. Right the way down to the black trimming on those winged sunnies.
2015 Cheryl Fernandez-Versini - Age 31
Forever turning heads, this lace tatted trail gown is just WOW!
2015 Cheryl Fernandez-Versini - Age 31
Paired with super high thigh high boots, this floral black mesh number is sexy, hot, diva-like and we like!
2016 Cheryl - Age 32
This sequinned striped jumpsuit just screams powerful and successful!
2016 Cheryl - Age 32
A more darker side to Cheryl, the perfect number for the Vogue 100 Gala Dinner in '16.
2016 Cheryl - Age 33
Mum-to-be Cheryl sure has a glow to her smile at the Gold Obsession Party in 2016 where she would have been around 4 months pregnant at the time with Bear!
2017 Cheryl - Age 34
At the #GAME4GRENFELL charity event, Cheryl looked super casual and super hot all at once. Red lips to match those red high waist A-line trousers.
2017 Cheryl - Age 34
In October of 2017, the mum of one walked the runway during the Le Defile L'Oreal Paris for the Womenswear Spring/Summer 2018 collection.
2018 Cheryl - Aged 34
Putting rumours of a split behind them, Cheryl walked the red carpet at the BRIT Awards in a stunning LBD, accompanied by her then-boyfriend Liam Payne.
2018 Cheryl - Aged 35
As she promoted her brand new single 'Love Made Me Do It' in November 2018, Cheryl rocked a new darker hair-do.
2019 Cheryl - Aged 35
The former X Factor judge debuted another new look at the launch of new BBC show The Greatest Dancer in early 2019.
2019 Cheryl - Aged 35
The Geordie princess decided to lighten her hair a bit in March 2019, oozing glamour at an awards show.
2019 Cheryl - Aged 36
Following her birthday it appeared that Cheryl went even lighter on her hair.
2019 Cheryl - Aged 36
A few weeks later and she walked down the runway for "Le Defile L'Oreal Paris" Show during Paris Fashion Week with darker hair. Well it looks darker but that could be the products on her hair...
2019 Cheryl - Aged 36
Fast forward a few months and Cheryl stepped out with slightly shorter hair - maybe she took out any extensions?
2020 Cheryl - Aged 36
Speaking of extensions it looks like Chez wore some during The Greatest Dancer event at the beginning of 2020. We're loving her hair colour though.
2021 Cheryl - Aged 37
Following a year out of the spotlight, Cheryl delighted her fans in June 2021, sharing this selfie to her Instagram page. The singer looked radiant as she smiled into the camera, showing off her famous luscious long locks.
2022 Cheryl - Aged 38
Just one month before her 39th birthday, Cheryl shared this snap of herself to her Instagram page, showing off her youthful looks and amazing skin.
2022 Cheryl - Aged 39
Following Sarah Harding's sad passing in 2021, Cheryl, along with Girls Aloud stars Nicola Roberts, Kimberley Walsh, and Nadine Coyle, organised a fundraising gala called The Primrose Ball in her memory.
Cheryl wore a stunning black ball gown to the event, wearing her luscious brunette locks off up and off her shoulders.
2023: Cheryl - Aged 40
As she celebrated her 40th birthday in June, Cheryl stopped to take photos with fans, looking amazing in a white trouser suit and black sunglasses.
2024: Cheryl - Aged 40
As Girls Aloud prepare for their 2024 reunion tour, Cheryl showed off her stunning new hairstyle during promo in February 2024. Sporting a huge fringe, Chez looks amazing!
After being absent from social media for over one year, Cheryl delighted her loyal fans earlier this month, sharing a selfie looking gorgeous to her Instagram page.
Alongside a snap with her team, Cheryl wrote: 'We back ✌🏼'.
The 'Fight For This Love' singer then shared a promotional video of herself for Feel vitamins, writing: 'I really want self-care to be accessible to everyone which is why I’ve chosen to partner up with @wearefeel a brand that makes science led clean health products without the premium price tag.
'Taking Feel Multivitamins has become my daily ritual and I am so excited to share them with you all 💛✨'. (sic)
Now read:
Girls Aloud: The girl band's biggest career moments
Cheryl delights fans as she breaks year-long social media silence
Bear Grey Payne: Everything we know about Liam Payne and Cheryl Tweedy's son