Girls Aloud to release new version of hit single in tribute to Sarah Harding

Girls Aloud have confirmed that they will release a new version of their iconic charity single I'll Stand By You as a touching tribute to Sarah Harding.

The track will be available to stream from November 15 after making its debut on Zoe Ball's BBC Radio 2 breakfast show on Wednesday, and is described as "a special celebration of Sarah". The new edition of the song will feature the late singer, who died in September 2021 aged 39 after being diagnosed with cancer, on lead vocals using newly discovered clips from the group's original recording sessions.

Cheryl, Nicola Roberts, Kimberley Walsh and Nadine Coyle announced the news on Instagram, telling fans: "'I'll Stand By You (Sarah’s Version)' features Sarah on lead vocal throughout using vocals we discovered in the Girls Aloud vault from the original recording sessions. The track played a key part in our 'The Girls Aloud Show' arena tour this summer and was an emotional moment for us all."

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The BBC also confirmed the release of the new version of the single across its social media channels, writing: "In 2004, Girls Aloud released 'I'll Stand By You' as the official BBC Children In Need single, reaching No.1 in the UK Singles Chart for two weeks. Now 20 years later, the band are set to release a brand-new version of 'I'll Stand By You' with their beloved Sarah Harding featuring exclusively on lead vocals throughout."

A new edit of the original video featuring unseen archive footage will also be released during the BBC Children in Need show on November 15. Proceeds from the single will go towards Children In Need projects which funds family centres, community spaces, youth clubs and refuges, homeless shelters, hospices and helplines across the UK.

The band first released their cover of I'll Stand By You 20 years ago as the charity single for Children in Need, and it quickly shot to number one in the UK singles chart. Following Sarah's death, Girls Aloud have raised more than £1 million for breast cancer charities through various initiatives.

Earlier this year, the girl group reunited to tour across the UK and Ireland, performing hit tracks from their back catalogue including Love Machine, Sound Of The Underground and The Promise. A one hour special, titled The Girls Aloud Show: Live At The O2, will air later this autumn on ITV1 and the full extended arena show will be available to stream on ITVX.