Nicola Roberts made a name for herself along with Cheryl Tweedy, Sarah Harding, Kimberley Walsh and Nadine Coyle after they won Popstars: The Rivals back in 2002. Since then, Girls Aloud became one of the biggest girl bands in the world
We all remember her as the fair-skinned, red-head bombshell from Girls Aloud, but since the band's split in 2013 (still not over it), what has Nicola been up to? Here's everything you need to know about the Lincolnshire lass.
Who is Nicola Roberts?
Nicola Roberts was born on 5th October 1985 in Stamford, Lincolnshire. She shot to fame on reality TV show Popstars: The Rivals in 2002, where she met the others to make one of the most iconic British girl bands in history.
What happened during Nicola's time in Girls Aloud?
Their debut single and school disco FAVE 'Sound Of The Underground' was Christmas Number 1 in 2002 for four consecutive weeks!
This kickstarted their success as they went on to release five albums, including hits such as 'Jump' which, of course, is the backing track to THAT Love Actually scene with Hugh Grant, 'The Promise' (We always wanted to be part of their gold dress gang) and 'Something New'.
Nicola Roberts' solo career
Sticking to what she knew best, Nicola went into the studio post-Girls Aloud to record her debut single 'Beat Of My Drum' which was perhaps her most popular song. With its catchy chorus and upbeat tempo, it was a sure-fire hit. She then went on to release her debut solo album 'Cinderella's Eyes' which was released on 23rd September 2011.
Nicola Roberts' makeup line?
She did indeed! Dainty Doll Makeup was created by Nicola especially for those with fairer skin tones. Renowned for her paler complexion, she explained that while she was in Girls Aloud, trying to find makeup to suit her complexion was a struggle.
"It used to be so hard to find a foundation," she explained. "Makeup artists had to go for the lightest shades and then mix them up. But they would usually end up being too pink or yellow." Her range was re-packaged and stocked online at Harrods, but is now available only on Amazon.
Swipe through to see which artists started their careers on TV talent shows...
Artists who started their careers on TV talent shows - stacked
1 of 16Beyoncé
She's one of the world's biggest superstars but Beyonce first found fame on TV show Star Search back in 1993. Beyonce enjoyed massive success alongside Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams in girl band Destiny's Child but made a name for herself with her massive solo singles.
2 of 16One Direction
They are one of the biggest bands in the world but we wouldn't have One Direction if it wasn't thanks to The X Factor. Harry, Louis, Niall, Liam and Zayn all auditioned for the show as solo artists but were later put together in a group. Despite finishing third in 2010, the band went on to achieve massive success. They went on to have five albums, four world tours and sold millions of records with hits such as 'Best Song Ever' and 'What Makes You Beautiful'. After Zayn Malik announced his departure, the band started their hiatus in January 2016 and have all gone on to release solo material.
3 of 16Girls Aloud
Girls Aloud were first created when they appeared on Popstars: The Rivals in 2002. With Cheryl Tweedy, Nicola Roberts, Sarah Harding, Kimberley Walsh and Nadine Coyle all winning a place in the band, the group went on to achieve their debut number one with the track 'Sound Of The Underground'. Girls Aloud went on to achieve massive success in the UK and scored a record 20 consecutive top 10 singles in the UK Charts. In 2013 the band announced their split after their final UK tour.
4 of 16Little Mix
Little Mix made history in 2011 when they became the first ever band to win The X Factor. Perrie, Jesy, Jade and Leigh-Anne released the track 'Cannonball' as their winners' single before going on to have hits such as 'Wings', 'No More Sad Songs' and 'Power'.After a number of massive sell-out tours, the band are currently working on their fifth studio album and have just finished their 'Summer Hits Tour' in the UK.
5 of 16Carly Rae Jepsen
Carly Rae Jepsen enjoyed massive success with her hit single 'Call Me Maybe' in 2012 but before that she came third on Canadian Idol. After getting her break with 'Call Me Maybe', Carly went on to have hits such as 'I Really Like You' and 'Run Away With Me'.
6 of 16Britney Spears
Britney appeared on Star Search at the age of just 11!She went on to release her first two albums in 1999 and 2000 which turned out to be international successes. After a hiatus away from music due to personal issues, Britney returned with a bang with hits such as 'Womanizer', 'Piece Of Me' and 'If You Seek Amy'. Britney now has a Las Vegas residency for her 'Piece Of Me' show Planet Hollywood.
7 of 16Adam Lambert
Adam Lambert shot to fame when he finished in second place on American Idol back in 2009. The singer went on to release his debut album 'For You Entertainment' and has since sold over 5 million records to date. In the past few years Adam has been touring as the lead vocalist with rock band Queen.
8 of 16Fifth Harmony
American girl band Fifth Harmony started their success when they finished third on The X Factor USA back in 2012. The band signed to Syco Records and enjoyed a number of hits both in the UK and USA including 'Work From Home' and 'Worth It'. In 2017 Camilla Cabello announced she had left the band to focus on her solo caree, and in March 2018 the group revealed they were going on a hiatus.
9 of 16Christina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera appeared on Star Search as a youngster back in 1990. It wasn't until 1999 when the singer really made waves in the music industry with hits including 'Genie In The Bottle' and 'What A Girl Wants'. Throughout the noughties Christina had some massive hits such as 'Dirrty', 'Beautiful' and 'Hurt' and later went on to star in a number of movies such as Burlesque. The singer now has five Grammy Awards, has sold over 50 million albums worldwide and appears on The Voice as a mentor.
10 of 16Jordin Sparks
Jordin Sparks became American Idol's youngest ever winner when she won over competition at the age of just 17 in 2006. The singer has since enjoyed massive success with her hits including 'Tattoo', 'Battlefield' and her 'No Air' debut with Chris Brown.
11 of 16Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson shot to fame in 2002 when she became the first winner of American Idol. Kelly has now released seven albums to date including the likes of 'Breakaway', 'Stronger' and her 2015 album 'Piece By Piece'.
12 of 16Jennifer Hudson
Despite her amazing success, Jennifer unbelievably only finished 7th on American Idol back in 2004. She's since went on to appear in hit movie Dreamgirls, released three studio albums and became a mentor on TV show The Voice UK.
13 of 16Justin Timberlake
Mr Timberlake appeared on TV show Star Search in 1992 singing a country song in his audition.He's come a long way since then! In the late 1990s Justin became one of the lead vocalists in boyband NSYNC.He then went solo and achieved massive success with hits such as 'Cry Me A River', 'Rock Your Body' and 'Sexy Back'. In 2016 Justin voiced a character for hit film Trolls and is set to return for the sequel in 2021. The singer also released his amazing new music in early 2018.
14 of 16Nicole Scherzinger
She enjoyed massive success in The Pussycat Dolls but before that Nicole Scherzinger appeared on Popstars in 2001. It was her time in girl band The Pussycat Dolls which really started her success. The band became one of the world's biggest selling girl bands with hits such as 'Don't Cha' and 'Jai Ho'. Nicole later left the band and has enjoyed a solo career. The singer is also a judge on The X Factor, although rumours are suggesting she won't be returning for the 2018 series.
15 of 16Leona Lewis
Leona Lewis won a £1 million recording contract with Simon Cowell when she won the third series of The X Factor in 2006. Leona went on to have five successful albums and has completed three tours to date. In 2016 Leona made her Broadway debut as Grizabella in Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical Cats.
16 of 16Susan Boyle
Susan Boyle first shot to fame when she appeared on Britain's Got Talent in 2009. After shocking audiences and the judging panel with her incredible rendition of 'I Dreamed A Dream', Susan went on to finish in second place behind Diversity. This was just the start for the Scottish singer as she went on to achieve massive success, selling millions of records worldwide.
Nicola Roberts: Fashion
Alongside her career as a singer/songwriter, Nicola is very passionate about fashion. Featuring on the 2012 show Styled To Rock, hosted by none-other than Barbadian beauty Rihanna.
If you weren't familiar with the show, each week contestant designers went head-to-head to create designs for famous musicians such as Katy Perry and Girls Aloud's very own Cheryl Tweedy, and although he didn't actually make an appearance on the show, Mr Kanye West.
Nicola was a mentor on the show alongside British fashion designer Henry Holland and American designer Lysa Cooper who was also a stylist for Rihanna.
More recently she has posted various modelling photo throwbacks and has also been seen attending multiple fashion shows and award ceremonies.
Who has Nicola Roberts dated?
Back in 2001, Nicola reportedly dated Carl Egerton until their spilt in 2006, after that she briefly dated Patrick Anderson. She was then with Carl Davies for a year, but after their split he reportedly sent her threatening messages and stalked her via various social media accounts.
He was arrested in February this year and given a restraining order. Her most recent relationship was with businessman, Charlie Fennell but they ended things quietly in 2014 after six years.
How to follow Nicola Roberts on Instagram and Twitter
Follow Nicola Roberts on Twitter: @NicolaRoberts
Instagram: @lilcola
NOW WATCH: Heat Rich List 2018: Where do Harry Styles, Rihanna and Adele land on this year's list?
If your favourite music icons are the Spice Girls and your favourite Ks are Kylie and the Kardashians, you need heat Radio in your life! heat Radio is portable, so you can listen to us on the move. Simply download our app from your phone’s app store or listen on DAB Digital Radio UK, on Freeview Channel 716 or online at heatradio.com and at heatworld.com. We’re on all the smart speakers too, just say “play heat Radio."