Cheryl sheds a tear on stage during West End debut – as Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh watch on

Cheryl was brought to tears on Wednesday evening as she took to the stage during the press night of 2:22 A Ghost Story, making her West End Debut at London’s Lyric Theatre.

The former singer, 39, received a standing ovation following her performance, which saw her in the leading role of Jenny, taking over from former star Laura Whitmore.

And supporting her in the front row were former Girls Aloud bandmates Kimberley Walsh, 41, and Nicola Roberts, 37, who were bursting with pride for the star. 

Following a flawless performance, a source in the audience told MailOnline: ‘Tears could be seen rolling down Cheryl’s cheeks during the curtain call, in which the cast received a standing ovation. 

They added: ‘Right at the front cheering her on were her Girls Aloud bandmates Kimberley Walsh and Nicola Roberts, alongside Lauren Silverman. There wasn’t a single hiccup during the performance.

Cheryl shed a tear on Wednesday evening as she received a standing ovation following her West End debut in 2:22 A Ghost Story

‘She’s certainly proven herself worthy of the role, after surprising fans with the unexpected career move,’ concluded the source.

Taking her final bow, a slightly teary Cheryl flashed a huge smile at the audience while raising one arm into the air.

Clapping her fellow cast and crew, she was joined on stage by co-stars Scott Karim and Louise Ford while taking their final bow. 

Cheryl portrayed a woman named Jenny who becomes convinced her house is haunted by a supernatural spirit in the show.

And for the role, she was dressed in a floral printed burgundy dress with a high-neck and long sleeved design, layering a khaki cardigan on top.

But ready for the after party once the pressure was over, she swapped her costume for a beige maxi-dress with a high neck and ribbed design.

While her chestnut brown tresses were pulled away into a low ponytail, with two sections left to frame her face and a glowing palette of makeup added.

Former bandmates and close pals Kimberley and Nicola stuck around to extend their congratulations to Cheryl, beaming for snaps together after the show.

The lady of the hour stood in the centre of her longtime friends as they partied at Soho’s 100 Wardour Street.

Pals: In the front row to cheer her on were former bandmates Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh watch on from the audience

What a reaction: Taking her final bow, a slightly tear Cheryl flashed a huge smile at the audience while raising one arm into the air

Character: In the production, Cheryl portrayed a woman named Jenny who becomes convinced her house is haunted by a supernatural spirit in the show

Costume: And for the role, she was dressed in a floral printed burgundy dress with a high-neck and long sleeved design, layering a khaki cardigan on top

Crew: Clapping her fellow cast and crew, she was joined on stage by co-stars Scott Karim and Louise Ford while taking their final bow

That’s a wrap: Following a flawless performance, a source in the audience told MailOnline: ‘Tears could be seen rolling down Cheryl’s cheeks during the curtain call, in which the cast received a standing ovation

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Nicola looked stunning in a glimmering black mini dress with green piping and button detailing, adding a pair of black mesh tights to the ensemble.

While she elevated her height with a pair of platformed black heels, swapping her lengthy tresses for a choppy copper bob.

Kimberley stood to the other side in a black maxi dress with red and green floral detailing.

Adding black, pointed toe pumps to the ensemble, she matched the look with a bright red lipstick and radiant palette of makeup.

(Lto R) Cast members Scott Karim, Cheryl, Louise Ford and Jake Wood

The source added: ‘Right at the front cheering her on were her Girls Aloud bandmates Kimberley Walsh and Nicola Roberts, alongside Lauren Silverman’

Support: The lady of the hour stood in the centre of her longtime friends as they partied at Soho’s 100 Wardour Street

Popular: She was swarmed by fans following the performance

Autographs: Cheryl happily signed autographs for adoring fans outside of the theatre

Entertainment: A live band performed at the central London after party for the A-list guests

Switch up: Ready for the after party once the pressure was over, she swapped her costume for a beige maxi-dress with a high neck and ribbed design

Beauty: While her chestnut brown tresses were pulled away into a low ponytail, with two sections left to frame her face and a glowing palette of makeup added

Smile: Cheryl ensured she grabbed plenty of snaps with her supporting pals outside of the venue

Sharing a clip to social media while they prepared for the show beforehand, Nicola penned to her 348K Instagram followers: ‘Ready for our girl’.

And despite it being her first West End show, Cheryl insisted that she wasn’t too nervous.

She told BBC London this week: ‘No, I mean, a healthy amount of nerves in the previews which I think is normal, I would be concerned for myself if I had none. But not excessively nervous, no.’ 

Helping hand: While the star was aided from her car by a security crew member

Strike a pose: Nicola looked stunning in a glimmering black mini dress with green piping and button detailing, adding a pair of black mesh tights to the ensemble

Beaming: Kimberley stood to the other side in a black maxi dress with red and green floral detailing

In sync: Kimberley matched the look with a bright red lipstick and radiant palette of makeup