'Devastated' Girls Aloud star Kimberley Walsh is speaking to Sarah Harding 'all the time' following her tragic breast cancer diagnosis.
38-year-old Celebrity Big Brother winner Sarah revealed last week that she's currently undergoing weekly chemotherapy after the cancer spread to other parts of her body; and with former bandmates Cheryl, Nadine Coyle and Nicola Roberts showing their support Kimberley has reiterated they're with her 'every step of the way.'
Speaking to The Sun on the red carpet of the Sleepless: A Musical Romance premiere, Kimberley said: "I am completely devastated, it's been really, really tough, but speaking to her a lot helps and keeping that contact."
Kimberley added: "She knows we’re there for her every step of the way.
"She’s a strong girl and I love her so much."
Last week, Sarah revealed her devastating diagnosis via social media. She said: "Hi everyone,I hope you are all keeping safe and well during these uncertain times.
"I’ve not posted on here for so long, thank you to everyone who has reached out to check in on me, it really does mean a lot.
"I feel now is the right time to share what’s been going on.
"There’s no easy way to say this and actually it doesn’t even feel real writing this, but here goes.
"Earlier this year I was diagnosed with breast cancer and a couple of weeks ago I received the devastating news that the cancer has advanced to other parts of my body.
"I’m currently undergoing weekly chemotherapy sessions and I am fighting as hard as I possibly can.
"I understand this might be shocking to read on social media and that really isn’t my intention."
Watch: Kimberley Walsh discusses a Girls Aloud reunion
Sarah's Girls Aloud bandmates were quick to show their support, with Nadine saying 'I love you!!! You have always been able to achieve miracles when needed!! I am here for all the way & always will be!!'
Kimberley commented 'My heart is broken. You are so strong and brave and we are with you every step of the way,' while Nicola revealed her shock over the news. She said 'It goes without saying that this is blindsiding. @SarahNHarding you’re so loved and supported.'
Cheryl simply shared a heartbroken emoji on Twitter as the news was announced.
Meanwhile, it's reported Sarah had agreed to a Girls Aloud reunion in honour of the group's 20th anniversary in 2022 prior to her diagnosis.
Girls Aloud - where are they now?
1 of 10Cheryl
During her time in Girls Aloud Cheryl married and divorced footballer ex-husband Ashley Cole after he cheated. Cheryl was also found guilty of assault occasioning actual bodily harm following an altercation with a nightclub toilet attended in 2003. On a slightly lighter note (well, kind of) she threw a lot of shade when she said she "didn't think" Nicole Scherzinger would make it as a solo artist…
2 of 10Cheryl - 2020
Since her time in Girls Aloud, Chez has gone on to launch her solo career, she was a judge on The X Factor, moved onto The X Factor US but was sacked three weeks later and had a falling out with Simon Cowell. Despite texting him "f—k you. F—k the UK X Factor. F—k you all. I hate you," she returned to the show four years later. Cheryl has since become a judge on BBC's The Greatest Dancer. Chez was also an ambassador for L'Oreal and in 2020 she starred in the movie Four Kids and It.And after her divorce from Ashley, Cheryl got married to Jean-Bernard Fernandez but they split in 2016. She then dated Liam Payne and despite splitting in 2018 they're now co-parenting their son Bear Grey Payne.
3 of 10Kimberley Walsh
Kimberley was pretty unproblematic in Girls Aloud, although we can't forget when she completely backed Cheryl throwing shade at Nicole Scherzinger. Kimberley also didn't seem keen on the idea of the Pussycat Dolls star launching a solo career.
4 of 10Kimberley Walsh - 2020
Post-Girls Aloud, Kimberley climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in 2009 to raise money for Comic Relief, she has presented on TV and in 2012 she starred on Strictly Come Dancing and came runner up alongside her professional partner Pasha Kovalev. She's also married her long-term partner Justin Scott and they're parents to Bobby and Cole.
5 of 10Nadine Coyle
After Girls Aloud split in 2013, Nadine made it clear that it was not her idea. "You should know by now I had no part in any of this split business. I couldn't stop them. I had the best time & want to keep going," she tweeted at the time.
6 of 10Nadine Coyle - 2020
Nadine has pretty much become a meme after the nation discovered how she says "flour" on Sunday Brunch. She launched her own solo career, took part in I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! 2019 and following a brief split from her fiancé Jason Bell they went on to have a child and tie the knot. Unfortunately they split months before she flew out to the jungle.
7 of 10Sarah Harding
Sarah was definitely the funniest of the group. Remember at the Brit Awards in 2009 when Girls Aloud won Best Single for The Promise and Sarah shouted down the microphone, "Can I just say, it's about timmmeee… I think I just wet myself." Obsessed.
8 of 10Sarah Harding - 2018
Sarah has starred on Coronation Street as Joni Preston, she won Celebrity Big Brother 2017 and in 2017 it came to light that she allegedly had an affair with Danny Dyer back in the day. She also got engaged to DJ Tom Crane but they called off their wedding and in 2011 she entered rehab for alcohol dependence and depression.
9 of 10Nicole Roberts
Remember when Matt Willis called Nicola a "rude ginger b-tch" and she hit back but writing 'I'm a rude ginger b-tch… bothered!' on her shorts? Now that's iconic.
10 of 10Nicola Roberts - 2020
Nicola has also launched her solo career and she won the first series of The Masked Singer UK.
Speaking to The Sun, a source said: "The gang started early discussions at the beginning of last year. ‘It was all very cloak and dagger, but the girls were all hopeful of agreeing contracts later this year and getting concrete plans in place.
"Poor Sarah was desperate to make this happen, so her diagnosis has been doubly devastating."
The source added: "At the moment, all anyone cares about is that she gets the treatment she needs — the music comes second."
Our thoughts are with Sarah, her friends and family at this time.