Cheryl has been billed as the biggest name on The Greatest Dancer, picking up the most publicity in the run-up to the show’s launch.
However, it was Strictly Come Dancing professional Oti Mabuse who stole the show as she won over fans in the first episode of the BBC talent show on Saturday.
The South African dancer, 28, was hailed as "the new nation’s sweetheart" by viewers as she demonstrated her knowledge while giving feedback to the contestants.
One fan wrote on Twitter: "I love @OtiMabuse!!! She’s an absolute loon and the best reality show judge in a long time! #TheGreatestDancer."
Another tweeted: "So far, Oti’s the best thing about #TheGreatestDancer."
Making a pop at Cheryl’s former status as the nation’s sweetheart during her X Factor heyday, one said: "Predicting Oti is going to be the new Nations Sweetheart. Adorable. #thegreatestdancer."
One viewer expressed their dislike at Cheryl’s feedback to contestants compared to Oti and fellow dance captain Matthew Morrison: "Oti Mabuse – Talks about technical dance moves. Matthew Morrison – Talks about extensions and performance. Cheryl – ‘I love your faces’. FFS #thegreatestdancer."
Another wrote: "Oti Mabusa is The Star Of The Show Her Energy is Infectious. #thegreatestdancer."
One viewer said: "Oti is going to totally overshadow Cheryl in terms of charisma and talent, has she been set up to fail – again?! #thegreatestdancer."
Prior to the show starting, even Cheryl, 35, herself admitted she wasn’t as qualified as Oti and Matthew to judge the show.
She said: "They’ve had really long careers in dance and in performing arts.
"Mentoring other people one-on-one like I did on X Factor might help me with the mentality of how things go. But in terms of knowledge and stuff, they’re more than qualified."
Most of Cheryl’s dance experience is from her pop star performances as a solo artist and with Girls Aloud, as well as summer school with the Royal Ballet when she was nine.
South African-born Oti is a professional ballroom and Latin dancer, having won the South African Latin American Championship eight times and was third place in the World Cup Freestyle Latin in 2014.
Meanwhile, Matthew danced, sang and acted on Broadway for years before landing the role of Mr Schu in hit TV series Glee.
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