Cheryl has paid an emotional tribute to Sarah Harding on what would have been her 40th birthday.
Her former Girls Aloud bandmate has shared a moving montage packed with memories of Sarah performing and being interviewed with her bandmates Cheryl, Kimberly Walsh, Nadine Coyle and Nicola Roberts over the years.
It also features clips of Sarah from the girls' early days on Popstars: The Rivals during which Girls Aloud was formed and she won a place in the band.
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Maroon 5's Memories plays in the background while footage of Sarah in her element is flashed up.
Cheryl wrote: "Memories may be all we’re left with, but they’re enough to last a lifetime #Sarahs40th."
During the montage Kimberley recalls 'seeing this blonde bombshell running around the auditions like a mad woman.'
And Cheryl adds: "She always stood out as her own character, and kind of a crazy one that was just unique and in her own world."
Explaining why she cancelled her appearance at Birmingham Pride in September Cheryl wrote: “Saying goodbye to somebody you spent such a massive piece of your life with is like nothing else.
“My heart is heavy. Grief is such a harsh experience and an absolute rollercoaster of emotions. Questions without answers and pain without resolve. So tumultuous and constant.
“With that said I am so sorry but I really am not emotionally, mentally or physically able to perform for you this Saturday at Birmingham Pride.
“I apologise wholeheartedly and I can only hope for your understanding. (I promise I will make it up to you somehow).
“I feel now I just need some time to sit with my feelings and process the grief. Nothing prepares you for this bit.”
On September 6, alongside a black and white picture of Sarah laughing, Cheryl shared her tribute - the day after Sarah sadly passed away.
"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," she wrote.
"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."
Sarah's mum Marie shared the devastating news that the pop superstar has passed away, aged just 39, after her battle with cancer on September 5.
In a heart-breaking post on Instagram she broke the news that her "shining star" has died after her shock diagnosis with advanced breast cancer last year.
The full post from Marie said: "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.
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"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.”
Sarah, who grew up in Stockport, found fame on Popstars: The Rivals and Girls Aloud went on to huge chart-topping success before their hiatus in 2009, before reuniting in 2012-2013.
The singer had announced she had been diagnosed with advanced stage breast cancer in August 2020, revealing that the disease had spread to other parts of her body.
In March 2021 she released her autobiography, Hear Me Out, and she spoke openly about hoping to help others to seek early diagnosis.
