CHERYL'S X Factor performance on ITV last night was slammed by fans - who dubbed it "embarrassing" and "painful".

The star gave her first stage performance in four years with comeback track Love Made Me Do It.

The mum-of-one, 35, who used to be a judge on the ITV talent show alongside Simon Cowell, writhed around on the floor in a sexy black bodysuit - and even licked her hand in the sultry performance, but it wasn't enough to win over viewers at home.

Taking to Twitter, one fan wrote: "Give it up Cheryl, you’re embarrassing yourself #cringe".

Another tweeted: "Omfg how embarrassing is it for Cheryl when most acts on that show have more talent in their little finger than she does in her body, this is painful to watch."

A third added: "Good God. I've never heard anything so painful as Cheryl's performance."

Other viewers cruelly criticised the star's decision to sing live instead of lipsync, with one quipping: "Surprised Cheryl isn’t miming, but to be honest she’d be better off doing that!

"That high note she tried to hit completely cringed me out."

Another wrote: "Cheryl basically using the production, her moves etc to throw people off her ‘singing’. Should have just lip-synced. Terrible."

Earlier today, a source told The Sun Online that X Factor bosses were concerned that Cheryl's much-anticipated performance could be "too sexy for viewers" - with producers worried that it could lead to Ofcom complaints.

The insider shared: "Cheryl wants this performance to be remembered and it will be.

"She has been in rehearsals for the last few days and the routine will see her writhing around on the ground with 12 hot men dancing around her.

"At one point there were fears the male dancers may even have their bums showing but now it seems they will be more covered up.