Kimberley Walsh has slammed former Girls Aloud bandmate Cheryl for her ‘brilliant’ West End acting debut in 2:22 A Ghost Story.
The singer, 41, revealed that her close friend, 39, who “really loves” her latest job, reached out to her for some tips ahead of her first day at the Lyric Theater in January.
In an exclusive interview with Web, Kimberley said she feels like a “proud mum” watching the “Fight For This Love” singer in action.
She gushed: “It was so good. I hadn’t seen the play before, but I kind of wanted to see it because obviously a couple of people I knew had been in it, and then Cheryl said she was doing it.
“I thought, ‘Brilliant, now I’m actually going to be able to see it.’ But she was so good. I was literally back like a proud mother and also kind of shocked that this is her first real acting role. It’s a big part.
EXCLUSIVE: ‘I feel like a proud mom!’ Kimberley Walsh has slammed former Girls Aloud bandmate Cheryl for her ‘brilliant’ West End acting debut in 2:22 A Ghost Story
Talented: The 41-year-old singer revealed that her close friend, 39, (pictured in February) asked her for some tips ahead of their first date in January
“I think sometimes if you haven’t seen the show you might think it’s a bit of a cameo because they keep getting other people to fill that part, but actually it’s a massive role.
“She really needs to show what she’s capable of, I think. Very proud.’
Kimberley, who has appeared in the West End musicals ‘Shrek’, ‘Elf’, ‘Big’ and ‘Sleepless’, was the perfect mentor for Cheryl – who had never taken on a major acting role before the supernatural thriller.
She said: “We definitely chatted up tips about all the logistics and stuff because if you’ve never been to this theater world it’s very different.
“I think I’m one of the few people around who really knows what it’s like, the eight shows a week and the logistics of sorting out the kids obviously, and it’s all very involved.
“I think she really loves it and loves being part of a theater family because the theater crew are always the nicest people and she says, ‘I just can’t believe how many amazing, lovely people I get to work with every day. “‘
Cheryl stars as Jenny, taking on the role of former star Laura Whitmore, who is convinced her home is being haunted by a supernatural spirit.
When asked if she would consider taking on the role herself in the future, Kimberley replied, “Oh, I never actually thought about it.
“It’s a brilliant role, but I feel like it’s always a little strange when you follow a role from someone so close to you.
“Well yeah, probably not just for that reason. And I’d also be a little bit like… it would be hard for me to sort of part with it now I guess and do my own version.
Old friends: Kimberley (left) and Nicola Roberts (right) made sure to give their front row support to Cheryl (centre) during press night for 2:22 A Ghost Story (pictured February).
Cheryl receives rave reviews for her performance in 2:22 A Ghost Story
She shocked her fans when she announced she would be the latest celebrity to take on the role of Jenny in the West End play 2:22 A Ghost Story.
But Cheryl’s switch to acting seems to be paying off, judging by critical reviews for her press night performance.
The Chron
Evaluation: 
Claudia Connell praised Cheryl for her performance, saying “As a sleepless, stressed-out new mom, Cheryl is excellent.”
She added: “Her movements on stage are less natural – rather stiff in fact – and there are times I miss some of her dialogue.
“She also speaks with an irritating upward slur where each statement sounds like a question.”
Despite this, Claudia said that Cheryl is “more of a stand-up in the performance.”
The Telegraph
Evaluation: 
Dominic Cavendish was full of praise for Cheryl, saying: “She’s classy and – whispers – even the most understated player on stage.”
He adds, “But when it comes to the smashing showdowns with Sam, the new actress is no newcomer, she brings something material, even marital, to the scenarios.”
The times
Evaluation:
Rachel Halliburton gushed, “Cheryl goes beyond the fact that she arrives on stage pursued by celebrity glitz.”
She adds that the singer is “both funny and down to earth like Jenny” and that she “proves that she’s more than capable of riding the emotional roller coaster.”
Rachel concludes, “Cheryl emerges from the ectoplasm with more than a slim shot at furthering her stage career.”
The guard
Evaluation:
Arifa Akbar says, “Cheryl convincingly plays the wacky new mom Jenny,” but adds that co-star Jack Wood “is the play’s strongest link.”
She adds, “As her own X Factor moment, it’s respectable enough for a first try, albeit with blunt edges: big volume and sudden, thunderous fury.”
The evening standard
Evaluation:
Nick Curtis calls Cheryl a “sensational event by any measure” and asks, “But is Cheryl any good?” before adding, “Actually, yes: certainly good enough to bring new audiences to this superior, ruthlessly effective horror freeze.”
WhatsOnStage
Evaluation:
Alex Wood says: “As for Cheryl, it’s safe to say she makes a solid debut – sure, sometimes the intonation falters, while her angry outburst can occasionally feel unexpected and monotonous (on the other hand, most outbursts of those do who suffer from sleep deprivation).
“For the most part, it will be a twist that few critics will find a grave fault with.”
time out
Evaluation:
Andrzej Lukowski says: “Pop star Cheryl delivers a rock solid performance in the latest iteration of the long-lived West End chiller.”
He adds, “The bottom line is that she can act enough,” but it’s not a “show-stopping turn.”
He continues, “This is not an inept or embarrassing performance by Cheryl. She has trouble projecting times and the screaming parts feel a bit forced.
“But she gets her lines to the point, has good comic timing, and generally does her bit to support the architecture of Robins’ play.”
Cheryl was brought to tears during the press night for 2:22 A Ghost Story when she received a standing ovation after her performance.
Kimberley and Nicola Roberts, 37, made sure to support her on the front row and burst with pride for the star.
After a flawless performance, a source in the audience told Web: “During the curtain call, where the cast received a standing ovation, tears could be seen running down Cheryl’s cheeks.
They added: “Up front to cheer for her were her Girls Aloud bandmates Kimberley Walsh and Nicola Roberts alongside Lauren Silverman. There was not a single hiccup during the performance.
“She has proven herself worthy of the role after surprising fans with the unexpected career move,” the source concluded.
Elsewhere, Kimberley has partnered with McCain to launch Teatime to Talk conversation cards after research found some families were struggling to connect due to the emotional drain caused by the cost of living crisis.
Voiced by Kimberley, each card features the UK’s leading child psychologist, Dr. Laverne Antrobus creates to ensure they work for all families, regardless of age or ability – and asks intriguing, amusing, and even unexpected questions.
She said of her latest project, “I’m thrilled to be collaborating with McCain on his Teatime to Talk campaign.
“I think the conversation cards we’ve created are a great way to start some tea conversations in any family and I can’t wait to try them with my own kids too!”
Teatime to Talk conversation cards are free to view or download from McCain’s website (www.McCain.co.uk) and across all major streaming platforms.
Good initiative: Elsewhere, Kimberley has partnered with McCain to launch Teatime to Talk conversation cards after research found some families were struggling to connect due to the emotional drain caused by the cost of living crisis