Girls Aloud star Cheryl about to 'burst out crying' as band pay touching tribute to Sarah Harding during first Manchester show

Girls Aloud kicked off their three dates in Manchester on Thursday night (May 23) with a poignant tribute to Sarah Harding.

Sarah tragically passed away at the age of 39 in September 2021 after being diagnosed with terminal breast cancer. Last month, she was honoured with a mural in Stockport where she grew up in a bid to raise awareness of cancer in young people.

The remaining band members, Kimberley, Cheryl, Nadine and Nicola, announced last year that they would be reuniting for The Girls Aloud Show tour which would not only celebrate the band’s 22-year legacy but also serve as a fitting tribute to Sarah.

READ MORE: Girls Aloud at AO Arena - seating plan, set times, setlist, parking and everything you need to know

During Thursday night’s show, the band took centre stage at the AO Arena where they performed some of their biggest hits, including Sound of the Underground and Love Machine, for the first time since the band last toured in 2013.

Throughout the show, the band paid fitting tribute to Sarah, with the singer regularly appearing on the screen behind the group. In some instances, her vocals remain in tact as the girls encourage fans to let Sarah have her moment in the show - a extra moving moment after the girls informed the crowd that her mum was in the audience.

"Coming to Manchester has always been an absolute pleasure," Cheryl told the crowd. "It's a really significant evening for us tonight in many ways. Obviously, we all remember Miss Harding's hometown is Manchester. She would have been so proud of the reception we've had in here tonight, thank you so much Manchester for making it special for her, and for us.

"Sarah's mam's in here tonight and I'm sure she's feeling all the love and energy in the room.