Girls Aloud singer and former Celebrity Big Brother contestant Sarah Harding has today revealed she's battling breast cancer, sharing an emotional statement with fans which reveals the cancer has advanced to other parts of her body.
Sharing her devastating news on her social media accounts, the Love Machine singer wrote, ''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."
The 38-year-old added, "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.
"But last week it was mentioned online that I had been seen in hospital, so I feel now is the time to let people know what’s going on and this is the best way I can think of to do so.
"My amazing mum, family and close friends are helping me through this, and I want to say a thank you to the wonderful NHS doctors and nurses who have been and continue to be heroes.
"I am doing my very best to keep positive and will keep you updated here with how I’m getting on.
'In the meantime I hope you’ll all understand and respect my request for privacy during this difficult time. Sending you all so much love….xx."
CHECK OUT Girls Aloud - where are they now?
Girls Aloud - where are they now?
Cheryl
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…
Cheryl - 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.
Kimberley 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.
Kimberley 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.
Nadine 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.
Nadine 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.
Sarah 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.
Sarah 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.
Nicole 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.
Nicola Roberts - 2020
Nicola has also launched her solo career and she won the first series of The Masked Singer UK.
Sarah's Girls Aloud band mate Nadine Coyle commented on her post, writing, "I love you!!!! You have always been able to achieve miracles when needed!! I am here for the all the way & always will be!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️👑👑👑⭐️⭐️⭐️."
Steps singer Ian 'H' Watkins added, "Sending HUGE ❤️❤️❤️ Stay Strong xx We’re all behind you xx 💪🏻💪🏻."
Former X Factor star Amelia Lily then wrote, "Hope you’re ok Sarah, keep fighting thinking of you and sending you lots of love ❤️❤️❤️."
Girls Aloud's former make-up artist Lisa Laudat then added "@sarahnicoleharding I am so sad 😭 to hear this !! I am sending you love and peace , praying 🙏 for u xx 💋."
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Sarah shot to fame when she appeared on Popstars: The Rivals back in 2002, winning a place in girl band Girls Aloud alongside Cheryl Tweedy, Nadine Coyle, Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh.
The band went on to achieve massive success with hits like The Promise, Can't Speak French, and Call The Shots, before announcing their split in March 2013.
Rumours have been rife recently that all five girls were due to reunite for Girls Aloud's 20th anniversary in 2022, but nothing has been confirmed just yet.
We are sending Sarah all of our love at this time. ❤️