Rylan Clark admits 'anxiety' but says 'I didn't want that' as he joins Girls Aloud fans for 'best night'

Rylan Clark has admitted to feeling 'anxious' about his latest night out as he joined the hoards of fans heading to watch Girls Aloud for one of their last shows on their epic reunion tour. The BBC Radio 2 host was among the few to get to chat to Cheryl, Nadine Coyle, Kimberley Walsh and Nicola Roberts before they headed out on the road.

It was last year that the band confirmed they'd be hitting the road once again with Girls Aloud The Show, to fan hysteria, and they have since dedicated the string of shows, which started in May and will continue until the end of June, to their late friend and bandmate Sarah, who was diagnosed with cancer and died in September 2021 aged 39.

Cheryl, Nadine, Kimberley and Nicola have since been travelling up and down the country in their The Show tour since mid-May, performing to hundreds of thousands of fans before it all comes to an emotional end this weekend in Liverpool.

This week, the girls performed to sold-out crowds at London's O2 Arena and Rylan was among those heading to the fifth of the five nights in the capital. And he was welcomed with open arms by fans of the pop group, who won Popstars: The Rivals in 2002 and formed Girls Aloud, going on to achieve four UK number one singles, as he headed into the crowds to get up close to the performers.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, on Friday morning (June 28), Rylan shared how much seeing the show meant. He said: "Been ages since I’ve been to a show and been on the floor dancing with everyone. Normally I’d be incredibly lucky to be sat in a box all tucked away but I didn’t want that. Believe it or not get proper anxious, but last night @GirlsAloud fans you were all so great. Cheers for all being lovely."

He also shared a string of pictures and videos to Instagram and said: "The best night. Girls Aloud. Forever icons," and his fans and followers were quick to respond.

@nursiejayne said: "I was there last night!!! Oh my goodness she’s a few tears as well! But absolutely loved it!!! Well done girls aloud!! You did Sarah proud." @valerienewton1965 commented: "I was there last night too; my daughter and I spent so much of the set in tears; beautiful Sarah H. Just so very very sad. The Girls were amazing!"

@raph_sew_and_so wrote: "Wasn’t it gorgeous. Sarah was included beautifully too." @dana_cutesy_years replied: "Glad you had a good time." @charl0ttesayshi posted: "Looks like you had a incredible night!!" @zanimariaal added: "I hope you all have a wonderful time. What a special concert."