Cheryl hit with stage fright

Girls Aloud started their new sold-out arena tour on Friday night (April 24), but Cheryl Cole was reportedly hit with nerves before their performance began.

Backstage at the Manchester MEN Arena, it’s claimed stage fright had got to the X Factor judge “minutes” before their show was to start, reports the Mirror.

The paper also reveals Cole has been feeling the pressure in recent weeks ahead of the lengthy tour, as a source tells them: “In rehearsals Cheryl was downbeat and quiet. Everyone was really worried.”

“She’s got a lot going on in her personal life and I think she’s finding it tough being the nation’s sweetheart and dealing with all the attention that comes with that.”