Sarah Harding: Girls Aloud star reveals she is writing life story following advanced cancer diagnosis

Sarah Harding has revealed she is writing an autobiography after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

The Girls Aloud star shared a statement on Twitter and Instagram on Thursday, posting on social media for the first time since announcing the shock news of her diagnosis in August.

Harding has been receiving treatment for advanced-stage cancer, which spread to other parts of her body, and spoke out publicly in the summer after she was spotted in hospital.

In her latest message to fans, the singer said that she "can't deny that things are tough right now but I'm fighting as hard as I possibly can and being as brave as I know how".

She also revealed the details of her memoir and said the book will be published after Christmas.

"In September the lovely people at Ebury Publishing asked me if I would be interested in writing a book about my life story," Harding said.

"It came at such a good time for me as it's given me something fun and positive to focus on while I've been stuck at home in between trips to the hospital for treatment.

Watch: Sarah Harding is 'fighting hard' in cancer battle

"I've nearly finished it now and this week Mum and I have been looking though old photos choosing which ones to include. It'll be out after Christmas and I'm really proud of it. I hope you'll like it."

Harding, 39, also thanked fans for their support over the last few months and finished her message by saying: "Sending lots of love to everyone - I hope you're all keeping well."

She shared the news alongside a photograph of her as a child, as well as an image of what appears to be the cover of the book, titled Hear Me Out.

Harding rose to fame alongside Cheryl (then Tweedy), Nadine Coyle, Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh on ITV's Popstars: The Rivals in 2002.

Following huge success with hits including Sound Of The Underground, Love Machine and Promise, they announced a hiatus in 2009 before splitting in 2013. However, there had been speculation earlier in 2020 of a reunion in 2022 to mark their 20th anniversary.

The star made her stage debut in 2016 in Ghost - The Musical, a retelling of the hit 1990 film starring Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze, before going on to win Celebrity Big Brother in 2017.

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After speaking out about her cancer diagnosis, her Girls Aloud bandmates were among thousands sending messages of support on social media.

Coyle and Walsh replied to Harding's original Instagram post, with Coyle posting: "I love you!!! You have always been able to achieve miracles when needed!! I am here for all the way & always will be!!"

Walsh said: "My heart is broken. You are so strong and brave and we are with you every step of the way."

Nicola Roberts shared her message of support on Twitter, saying the news had been "blindsiding".

Cheryl responded by posting a simple broken-hearted emoji on Twitter.

Watch: Carol McGiffin sympathises with the pain Sarah Harding is going through with her cancer diagnosis