Nadine Coyle missed pal Cheryl’s West End stage debut – because she was too scared of the spooky play.
Nadine, 37, was set to join her Girls Aloud bandmates in the audience but pulled out at the last minute.
She feared that hit show 2:22 A Ghost Story would be too frightening.
It meant an empty seat between Kimberley Walsh and Nicola Roberts at the Lyric Theatre.
Chatting at Cheryl’s big press night last week, Kimberley, 41, said: “It’s a shame Nadine isn’t here. She was supposed to be coming. She really doesn’t like anything scary.”
A theatre source added: “Nadine was supposed to be sat on the second row between Kimberley and Nicola.
“They had planned to show up as a group to support Cheryl. She sent a good luck message instead.”
Despite Nadine’s absence, Cheryl’s acting debut wowed both fans and critics.
The former X Factor judge, 39, is reportedly paid £1,000 a show for her part as a mum who believes her house is haunted.
Kimberley, who has appeared in numerous West End shows, believes her best pal is worth
every penny.
The BBC Morning Live presenter said: “I think this is the perfect time for Cheryl to have moved into acting.
“She was amazing. I am so proud of her. This could open the doors to a whole new career.
“She is really talented so there is no reason she can’t go on to have some huge acting roles.”
Cheryl will play Jenny in the show until April 23. She follows fellow singer Lily Allen, I’m A Celeb winner Giovanna Fletcher and former Love Island presenter Laura Whitmore in the role.
