Nadine Coyle has opened up about the darker side of her time in Girls Aloud, questioning how some industry practices were ever considered legal. Speaking ahead of the five-year anniversary of her bandmate Sarah Harding's death, the singer partnered with tombola and Breast Cancer Now to encourage women to check their breasts.
Remembering Sarah Harding
'She should still be here,' Nadine, 40, told Metro in London. Sarah died in September 2021 at age 39 after being diagnosed with advanced breast cancer in August 2020. Nadine has since made it her mission to raise awareness, noting that many people she knows personally discovered issues early thanks to Sarah's legacy. 'That's all because of Sarah's unfortunate situation. She's helped so many people already.'
Girls Aloud's Grueling Schedule
Reflecting on the early 2000s, Nadine recalled the exhausting routines that included partying all night before heading straight to work. 'The industry hasn't improved as much as it should have,' she said. 'I think back to things and think, “Oh my god, how was that even legal?” It's probably not! But it's just the way it was.' Sarah's party lifestyle earned her the nickname 'Hardcore Harding,' but Nadine emphasized that the conversation around inappropriate behavior is only now beginning.
Tour Without Sarah
The 2024 reunion tour as a four-piece was emotionally draining for the band. 'I felt her absence every single night,' Nadine explained. 'There would be moments where you'd expect to see her on stage and she's not there. But it was good for fans to have that moment with us, a shared experience of the sadness.' The tour featured vocal and visual tributes to Sarah, giving fans a chance to say goodbye.
Sarah's Lasting Impact
Beyond her music, Sarah's intelligence and class have inspired Nadine to read more and be more studious. 'She was so intelligent and classy. I want to be more studious like our Sarah,' she laughed. The partnership with tombola and Breast Cancer Now includes a podcast takeover of Olivia Attwood's Olivia's House, focusing on the power of friends checking in. Research shows 45% of women still do not check their breasts regularly, and a simple nudge from a friend can make a real difference.
