Cheryl on Sarah Harding: ‘My heart is heavy… full of grief and pain’

The singer pulled out of Pride

cheryl

by heatworld |
Updated on

She’s still processing the devastating loss of former bandmate Sarah Harding, who tragically died from breast cancer earlier this monthat the age of 39. And posting on Instagram last week, Cheryl apologised for pulling out of her highly anticipated appearance at Birmingham Pride, telling fans she was not “emotionally, mentally or physically able to perform”.

“Saying goodbye to somebody you spent such a massive piece of your life with is like nothing else,” wrote the singer, who first met Sarah 19 years ago on Popstars: The Rivals.

cheryl and sarah harding
She said she needs to “process the grief” ©Getty Images

“My heart is heavy, grief is such a harsh experience and an absolute roller coaster of emotions. Questions without answers and pain without resolve, so tumultuous and constant.”

Sarah passed away in early September – just over a year after she first revealed her diagnosis to fans.

Her devoted mum Marie confirmed her death, while Cheryl and the rest of Girls Aloud posted heartbreaking tributes to the star.

Check out: Cheryl's complete dating history - from marriages, friendships and babies

Gallery

Cheryl relationship timeline - slider with cover pic

Cheryl timeline1 of 12
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

Swipe through to see Cheryl's relationship history...

Ashley Cole2 of 12
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2004-2010: Ashley Cole

Not long into her rise to fame, Cheryl started dating England footballer Ashley Cole, even attending the World Cup with the likes of Victoria Beckham and Coleen Rooney. Clearly smitten, the loved-up pair got married in 2016, penning a six-figure magazine deal at the time.

Ashley Cole3 of 12
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

2004-2010: Ashley Cole

However, things started to turn sour for the 'golden couple' when Ashley was accused of 'cheating' on Cheryl just months after their wedding. Despite forgiving the footballer, Ashley continued with his ways, with allegations that he'd been unfaithful rocking their romance yet again. Everything got too much for Chez in 2010, when she filed for divorce from Ashley.

Derek Hough4 of 12
CREDIT: u00a9 ITV

2010-2011: Derek Hough

Cheryl first met professional dancer Derek Hough whilst the pair filmed the music video for her hit track 'Parachute', and it seems they immediately hit it off. The former X Factor judge contracted Malaria in 2010, and she later told Piers Morgan, "I owe my life to Derek... if it wasn't for him I'd be dead."

Derek Hough5 of 12
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2010-2011: Derek Hough

Despite this, it seems the pair were destined to just be friends, with Derek later revealing to the media, "We dated for a while. Absolutely we are still friends, we are still very close."

Tre Holloway6 of 12
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

2012-2013: Tre Holloway

It seems Cheryl had quite a thing for professional dancers, as her next boyfriend was the super handsome Tre Holloway. Despite first meeting each other on The X Factor in 2010, the pair didn't grow close until 2012, with Cheryl enlisting Tre's dancing skills for her 'Ghetto Baby' music video.

Tre Holloway7 of 12
CREDIT: u00a9 ITV

2012-2013: Tre Holloway

Things seemed to be getting serious between the two, especially when Tre starred in Cheryl's ITV2 documentary. However, the long-distance relationship didn't work out, with the couple calling it quits in 2013. Speaking at the time, Tre said, "She's an amazing person, an amazing woman, and we are good friends."

Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini8 of 12
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2014-2016: Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini

It looked like Cheryl had found 'the one' when she met French businessman Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini in 2014. Only three months into their romance, Cheryl shocked her fans by announcing she'd married JB, in a secret beach location with her close family and friends.

JB9 of 12
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

2014-2016: Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini

After her second marriage, rumours of tension between Cheryl and JB started to arise, with the couple being pictured looking glum on more than one occasion. 18 months after their whirlwind wedding, Cheryl and JB were granted a quickie divorce in October 2018.

2016-2018: Liam Payne10 of 12
CREDIT: u00a9 Instagram

2016-2018: Liam Payne

Shortly after Cheryl divorced JB, she singer shocked the showbiz world in 2016, when she confirmed she was dating One Direction singer Liam Payne. Despite the pair having a 10-year age gap, and originally meeting when Liam was just 14-years-old on The X Factor, Cheryl and Liam instantly hit it off, posting a number of adorable snaps together.

2016-2018: Liam Payne11 of 12

2016-2018: Liam Payne

After what was the worst kept pregnancy secret of the decade, Cheryl and Liam welcomed a baby boy into the world in March 2017, settling on the name Bear Grey Payne.

2016-2018: Liam Payne12 of 12
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

2016-2018: Liam Payne

Split rumours started to hit the pair in early 2018, but Cheryl and Liam were quick to shut them down, putting on a very loved-up display at the 2018 BRIT Awards. However, just five months later, the couple released a joint statement admitting they've decided to separate. Despite this, the pair remain good friends and co-parent baby Bear.

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Cheryl told Girls Aloud fans at the time, “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.”

The Fight For This Love singer had been due to headline Birmingham Pride on Saturday, but pulled out a day prior, promising fans in her Insta post that she’d make it up to them and asking for their understanding. She finished, “I feel now I just need some time to sit with my feelings and process the grief. Nothing prepares you for this bit.”

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