Girls Aloud begin first reunion in nine years with an emotional tribute to Sarah Harding | Celebrity News | Showbiz & TV

Girls Aloud delighted fans with a heartfelt homage to their late member, Sarah Harding, as they opened their reunion tour.

Cheryl Tweedy, Nadine Coyle, Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh made a solemn promise that their first shows since 2013 would be dedicated to Sarah, who tragically lost her life to breast cancer in 2021 at just 39 years of age.

The quartet arrived on stage half an hour later than intended and launched into their opening number, Untouchable.

As they harmonised without their beloved fifth voice for the first time, video footage of Sarah was projected onto pink backdrops around them.

Following a brief greeting to their Dublin audience, the girls got into their stride belting out Love Machine accompanied by more images of Sarah.

Read more: Kimberley Walsh shares ‘difficulty’ as ‘curveball’ Girls Aloud tour kicks off

Showing gratitude to the crowd, Nicola remarked: “What an incredible audience for our first show, thanks so much for being so supportive. We’re so happy to be back.”

Upon introducing the follow-up song History, Nicola commented: “When we recorded this next song 19 years ago, we had no idea 19 years later it would become so poignant on our journey.”

This heralded monochrome clips of Sarah performing History, which lead into a comprehensive tribute montage to the late star.

The emotional video came to its conclusion with the uplifting message: “The darkest nights produce the brightest stars.”

Kimberley moved the audience with her words: “Standing feeling all the emotions you’re feeling. I hope you know it means as much as it means you to you.”

Cheryl expressed her gratitude, saying: “Thank you for your support through everything we went through with Sarah.

“It’s hard to believe but it’s such a beautiful thing to be on stage with these ladies again.”

Nadine prepared the fans for a poignant moment during the concert, announcing: “We’re going to do a duet with Sarah tonight. It’s going to be us, Sarah, you. Let’s do this together.”

The atmosphere intensified as Sarah’s recorded voice filled the venue while her bandmates performed alongside her in spirit.

During their rendition of the hit song Promise, Girls Aloud paid an emotional tribute by pausing mid-performance and turning away from the crowd to watch clips of Sarah singing solo. They continued singing after the touching moment, leaving the audience visibly moved.

As they concluded their first reunion show, a photo of Sarah wearing a matching ensemble was displayed, symbolising her presence. In anticipation of the tour, Kimberley, 42, had stated: “Our main aim is to do Sarah justice.”

Sharing backstage images before their Dublin 3Arena gig, she reflected on the experience: “We’ve had the best time creating this show for you and being back with my girls has been incredibly emotional but so special.”

Nicola, 38, promised fans an unforgettable show, while Nadine, also 38, expressed her heartfelt thanks: “I am full of gratitude and admiration for our entire team. Thank you to everyone up to this point. Now the real fun begins.”

Cheryl, who is now 40, shared a snapshot of the group aboard a plane as they jetted off to Ireland on Thursday night, captioning it: “Ready for take-off.”

The iconic pop group Girls Aloud, who shot to fame on ITV’s Popstars: The Rivals back in November 2002 and secured their first number-one hit that Christmas, went their separate ways in 2013 following a string of internal conflicts.

However, in a stunning turn of events last November, they announced a sensational comeback.

The ladies, who also hosted a ball in 2022 to celebrate the life of Sarah, have been instrumental in raising over £1million for cancer-related causes, including The Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal.

An AI tool was used to bring an extra layer to this story.