Girls Aloud stars Cheryl, Nadine Coyle, Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh have led the tributes to their former bandmate and 'electric girl' Sarah Harding following her tragic death aged 39 after her battle with breast cancer.
Sarah's mother Marie updated fans of her loss via Sarah's official Instagram page on Sunday, writing, "A message from Sarah’s mum.
“It’s with deep heartbreak that today I’m sharing the news that my beautiful daughter Sarah has sadly passed away. Many of you will know of Sarah’s battle with cancer and that she fought so strongly from her diagnosis until her last day.
"She slipped away peacefully this morning. I’d like to thank everyone for their kind support over the past year. It meant the world to Sarah and it gave her great strength and comfort to know she was loved. I know she won’t want to be remembered for her fight against this terrible disease – she was a bright shining star and I hope that’s how she can be remembered instead. -Marie x"
The world of pop reacted to the devastating news, with thousands paying tribute to Sarah, including her friends who knew her the best.
Nadine Coyle shared a photograph of Sarah smiling and wrote, "I am absolutely devastated!! I can’t think of words that could possibly express how I feel about this girl & what she means to me!! I know so many of you will be feeling this way. For now I’m sending so much love to you!!! ❤️❤️."
Nicola Roberts shared a number of pictures of her and Sarah together, writing, "I’m absolutely devastated and I can’t accept that this day has come. My heart is aching and all day everything we went through together has raced round my mind. Especially this last year since her diagnosis, as hard as the year has been, our new memories are strong in my heart. There are so many things to say and at first it felt to personal to put them here and then I remembered that there are so many other people grieving her too. A part of me or us isn’t here anymore and it’s unthinkable and painful and utterly cruel. She would have loved your messages today ♥️.
"Electric girl, you made us. You gave it everything and still with a smile.
"A white butterfly flew past my window this morning before I knew, it must have been you 🦋"
Kimberley Walsh added that her "heart was broken" as she paid tribute to Sarah on Monday morning.
In a post on Instagram, Kimberley said, "Beautiful Sarah this hurts so bad. To wake up and know that you are really gone is too much to bear. Hearing your infectious chuckle was one of my favourite things in the world. Your fire burned so bright and you loved, lived and laughed so hard. Sending love and strength to everyone who is grieving today. My heart is broken 💔.
Cheryl also took to Instagram to pay tribute to her late friend as she wrote, "Although we knew this day would arrive I am somehow still feeling at a loss for words that our stunning, unique, crazy, quirky, kind and soft hearted girl has departed. As I try to navigate my way through these painfully strange and horribly unfamiliar waves of disbelief & finality I am experiencing, I wanted to extend my condolences to all of our GA fans.
"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 🙏🏼.
"I also realize so many will be deeply affected by the circumstances of Sarah’s passing… I am sending you all so much love 💔 I love you Sarah… farewell 🕊.
"Sarah Nicole Harding forever in our hearts 💖💞🙏🏼."
Tributes poured in from Sarah's celebrity pals and fans after the news broke, with many sharing their memories and anecdotes.
Spice Girl Geri Horner simply tweeted, "Rest in peace, Sarah Harding. You'll be remembered for the light and joy you brought to the world. X."
Calum Best, who Sarah dated for two years, along paid tribute to his "gorgeous girl".
“Jesus this one hits home, this is so sad, so young, so much life, so much talent," he said in an Instagram post.
“Sarah I’m so sorry ur gone, I will always remember the good times, I remember when we met around 22/23 at a event for Glamour, spent all night flirting, we then spent a few years together and I remember u were a shoulder for me when my dad passed and I valued u so much for that!
“So blessed we where able to continue on a 16 year friendship. Rest in peace gorgeous and sending so much love to ur mom (sic).”
Katie Price also shared her tribute Sarah - who was a bridesmaid at her wedding, writing on Instagram, "You were always such a genuine and honest person, I will remember the all laughs we used to have back in the day... I always valued Sarah's friendship and my thoughts go out to her family and friends."
Our thoughts are with Sarah's family and friends at this difficult time.