Cheryl to perform with Strictly professionals on The Greatest Dancer live shows

Cheryl is reportedly set to perform with some of Strictly Come Dancing’s professional stars on The Greatest Dancer live shows.

The BBC One talent contest goes live this weekend, with nine contestants demonstrating their best moves to win public votes.

Several special guests will also appear – and it seems they’ll include familiar faces from the Beeb’s other dance extravaganza.

The Strictly Come Dancing professionals will apparently take to the stage with Cheryl, one of TGD’s ‘dance captains’, for a joint performance.

The Sun claims the move is a ‘desperate’ attempt to shore up ratings for the Simon Cowell format.

Saturday’s episode was the least watched yet, attracting 3.3million viewers – against The Voice’s 4.9million.

“BBC bosses are banking on bringing in the Strictly professionals to help increase the hype and cross-pollinate the audience,” the newspaper’s source said.

“Strictly is the biggest show on TV and bosses at the BBC know that.

“Calls have gone out to all the agents of the professionals to see who is interested.”

However, a BBC spokesperson insisted that the Strictly pros have long been intended to make an appearance.

“It has always been the case that Strictly dancers would perform on one of our live shows, along with lots of other special guests which we can’t wait for viewers to see,” the rep commented.

Cheryl already sits alongside Strictly favourite Oti Mabuse on The Greatest Dancer’s panel.

Saturday’s episode saw Cheryl, Oti and fellow captain Matthew Morrison each pick three acts to take to the live shows.

In addition to the £50,000 cash prize, the eventual winner will get to perform on the next series of Strictly.

The Greatest Dancer’s live challenge shows begin on Saturday at 7.30pm on BBC One.