Cheryl has slammed claims of a feud with Oti Mabuse on new BBC One show The Greatest Dancer.
Currently airing on Saturday nights, The Greatest Dancer sees Oti and Cheryl as judges for a new dance talent contest.
Joining them is Broadway and Glee star Matthew Morrison, while Jordan Banjo and Alesha Dixon will host.
Ahead of the first episode, a tabloid claimed that there had been feuding between Cheryl and Oti on set during filming.
Hitting back at the rumours, Cheryl told the Metro newspaper: “It’s interesting, isn’t it? It’s 2019 and we’re still doing this to women and there’s not one conversation about Matthew [Morrison] being mentioned, with any sort of criticism or having a bitch fight, or Jordan [Banjo].
“It’s sexism and it’s systemic in our industry and it will take a while to unravel.”
Cheryl went on to laugh off other claims made about her in the press.
“I heard that I have corridors cleared so I can walk down them. I mean, it’s outrageous,” she said. “I laughed, but I was like, ‘surely people don’t believe that? People aren’t that stupid!’ There’s a small minority but I don’t think people are easily swayed and they know me.”
Both Oti and Cheryl previously took to social media to ridicule the idea of any ‘feud’ between them.
Taking to Instagram, Oti wrote: “Imagine a world where two women work together with love, support and nothing but sisterhood… THERE’S ABSOLUTELY NO TENSION between @cherylofficial and myself. This beautiful woman has been nothing but caring, accepting and guiding towards me, she’s funny, smart and honest ❤️
“@cherylofficial sis you’re an absolute QUEEN I love you dearly and cannot wait to work with you. If anything I feel privileged and honoured to even be picked to share the same panel as you. ”
Cheryl responded: “OTIIIII!! .. oh my god.. this got me in the feels You are amazing!! And it is ME that feels privileged to be working along side you. I doubt anybody could ever feel anything but love for you.
“Such a warm, kind, funny, genuine soul. I cant wait to be spending more time with you sharing the panel with you, and learning from you ! you’re infectious and I adore you #Queen”
Matthew dismissed the reports too, writing on social media: “I feel the love between both of you. It’s almost like I’m sandwiched in between the positive vibes flowing through you both. I adore you both so much and am so pleased with our little family!”
A spokesperson for Cheryl also slammed the claims.
“It’s a fabricated story – yet again trying to pit female against female on a TV show,” they said. “It’s a shame we haven’t moved past this. Cheryl absolutely loves working with Oti and has a brilliant relationship with her.”
The Greatest Dancer airs Saturday nights on BBC One.
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