Girls Aloud perform 'Love Machine' live in 2012

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Yesterday morning, Girls Aloud singer Sarah Harding died from breast cancer at the age of 39. Ms Harding had revealed in August 2020 that she had been diagnosed with the disease and it had spread to other parts of her body, while earlier this year the singer said she would not see another Christmas. The news was announced on Instagram by Ms Harding’s mother Marie, who described her daughter as “a bright, shining star”.

Girls Aloud were one of the most successful British acts of the Noughties, having achieved 20 consecutive top 10 UK singles, including four number ones.

The band also released seven albums, two of which reached number one, while they were nominated for five Brit Awards.

Ms Harding’s bandmate Nicola Roberts paid tribute to her friend on social media.

Ms Roberts said: “I can’t accept that this day has come. 

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“My heart is aching and all day everything we went through together has raced round my mind… a part of me or us isn’t here anymore and it’s unthinkable and painful and utterly cruel.

“Electric girl, you made us. You gave us everything and still with a smile.”

Nadine Coyle, who was also in the band, wrote on Instagram: “I am absolutely devastated. 

“I can’t think of words that could possibly express how I feel about this girl and what she means to me.” 

The band who boast a back catalogue that includes Love Machine and Sound of the Underground even piqued the interest of the Queen, according to band member Kimberley Walsh. 

After performing single The Promise as part of the 100th Royal Variety show in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year the band met the monarch.

Ms Walsh told the Daily Mail: “She said she loved our dresses and asked if we were on a break – which we had been – so she’d obviously done her research. 

“She had a nice, warm vibe about her, she met all our eyes and didn’t do a fake handshake. 

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“I thought she made a real effort to connect.”

Girls Aloud were created through talent show Popstars: The Rivals in 2002 and consisted of singers Ms Walsh, Cheryl, Nicola Roberts, Ms Coyle and Ms Harding. 

The group were together for seven years before they took a hiatus and subsequently disbanded in 2013. 

In the intervening years Ms Harding acted in BBC television film Freefall and St. Trinian’s 2 and briefly appeared on Coronation Street in 2015.

In 2017 the singer won Celebrity Big Brother 20.

Girls Aloud sold over 4.3 million singles and had four million album sales in the UK alone, and are one of the most commercially successful British groups of the 21st century.

In her tribute to Ms Harding, Cheryl extended her condolences to the thousands of Girls Aloud fans.

She said: “We were like an extended family for so long and we know so many of you by name.

“I wanted to make sure you knew just how much your love and continued support meant to Sarah through her most vulnerable times. 

“She was so grateful and you really lifted her spirits when she needed you most.”

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