Girls Aloud fans ‘bawling’ over Children in Need tribute to Sarah Harding

BBC aired their annual fundraiser Children in Need on Friday evening, and one particular part had viewers feeling emotional.

Girls Aloud have re-released their single, Stand By You but this time it’s ‘Sarah’s Version’ in honour of their late bandmate Sarah Harding. Harding died aged 39 in September 2021 after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

It is the twentieth anniversary of Girls Aloud’s original version of The Pretenders’ 1994 hit, which was also in aid of the charity. The 2024 version features old recordings of Harding’s voice to give her voice the lead vocals on the track.

Kimberley Walsh, Nicola Roberts, Cheryl, and Nadine Coyle all sat together to introduce the official Children In Need song in a pre-recorded video.

‘This is Stand by You, Sarah’s version, the official Children in Need 2024 single, and it is dedicated tonight to our Sarah,’ stated Kimberley, 42.

‘We miss you, and we love you.’

After watching the band speak about the reimagined music on the Children in Need special, fans naturally felt emotional.

‘Currently crying, again. This not only means so much to the girls but it means so much to us, it’s so special to hear Sarah’s vocals on such a special song,’ wrote Amy.

Mariya said ‘Sarah’s legacy lives on in every note….’ and fan account Nicola Roberts cult summarised the mood: ‘Ignoring the fact you should’ve shown the full video…a beautiful tribute from four wonderful and amazing women. Love each and every one of them so much, Sarah will always be remembered.’

Only a short segment of the song was played when it was originally spoken about. However, it should be noted that BBC did later play the song in full at the end of the programme, with a montage of clips.

‘Bawling, think the whole video should’ve been shown tho,’ wrote Angie on X.

Annika said: ‘Oh we crying crying today.’

Key-ra praised the women for coming together for the important cause.

‘This had my in tears. She will be so proud of you doing this and thank you for doing this for us and Children in Need I know this would’ve been incredibly hard,’ her post read.

How much did Children in Need raise?

Children in Need raised an incredible £39 million from their fundraising efforts this year. This includes £8.8 million raised by the presenter Paddy McGuinness on his five day cycling challenge from Wales to Scotland.

In the three-hour TV special alongside Girls Aloud, Oscar-winning actor Gary Oldman, presenter Graham Norton, singer Kylie Minogue and Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa, all did their bit to show their support.

Viewers were also treated to segments from Outnumbered, Gladiators, and the Strictly Come Dancing professionals.

‘What an INCREDIBLE total raised for BBC Children in Need this year! Thank you to everyone who donated, your support is going to help Make Life Lighter for so many children and young people all over the UK,’ the official account posted.

If you still wish to donate, you can do so here.

Girls Aloud will also be appearing in a eagerly-anticipated concert film that will air on ITV this Sunday at 8pm. Ahead of the airing, The Girls Aloud Show: The Interview conducted by presenter Ben Shephard, has dropped on ITVX but not shown on terrestrial TV.

In the 20-minute ITVX interview was recorded on October 8, and gives an insight into the reunion between the 00s pop group.

In the chat, Cheryl, 41, shared what they might have planned next: ‘We’re catching our breath, one thing I have learnt in my infinite wisdom, at my ripe age, is that you can genuinely never say never.’

Nicola, 39, added: ‘I don’t think we saw ourselves doing this tour. At one time, we didn’t think we could see us doing this.’

Children in Need was Cheryl’s first TV appearance since the passing of Liam Payne. He died aged 31 after suffering a fatal fall from the third-floor balcony of his hotel suite in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Payne is the father of her seven-year-old son, Bear, and today marks one month since his untimely death on October 16.

Previously, Cheryl released a statement on social media which was supported by her Girls Aloud co-stars.

‘As I try to navigate this earth shattering event, and work through my own grief at this indescribably painful time, I’d like to kindly remind everyone that we have lost a human being,’ she wrote.

‘Liam was not only a pop star and celebrity, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend and a father to our 7 year old son. A son that now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again.’

She added that her spirit was being troubled by the thought of not being able to protect Bear in the future from seeing some reports.

‘Before you leave comments or make videos, ask yourselves if you’d like your own family or child to read them.

‘Please give Liam the little dignity he has left in the wake of his death to rest in some peace at last. Thank you, Cheryl.’

Metro.co.uk has contacted BBC for comment.