JLS set to perform at Girls Aloud’s Sarah Harding memorial concert

Pop foursome JLS are set to join Girls Aloud at a charity concert in memory of the late Sarah Harding, who died of cancer last year

Pop band JLS look set to perform at a Girls Aloud charity concert later this year, which is being held in memory of the girl band’s late member, Sarah Harding.

Sarah passed away in September last year aged just 39, following a year-long battle with breast cancer. Her former bandmates, however, Cheryl Tweedy, 38, Kimberley Walsh, 40, Nadine Coyle and Nicola Roberts, both 36, have announced they will return to the stage in a one-off performance in Sarah’s honour.

Both bands shot to fame through ITV talent shows. JLS finished runners-up to Alexandra Burke on the 2008 series of the X Factor, whilst Girls Aloud formed on 2002’s Popstars: The Rivals.

In an interview with the Sun, Aston Merrygold, 34, said ‘he’d love’ to appear on the bill alongside bandmates Marvin Humes, 37, Oritsé Williams and JB Gill, both 35.

“Sarah was a beautiful soul. It’s always an honour to perform at tributes like that,” he said.

The singer added that he had been deeply affected by the passing of both Sarah and The Wanted ‘s Tom Parker, who died as a result of an inoperable brain tumour last month aged 33.

“It’s tragic what happened to Sarah and Tom. My heart goes out to their family, friends, bandmates and fans. It’s unthinkable, so horrible. It puts life into perspective, and (how) could it not?

“You have to live every day like it’s your last and really enjoy it. You have to put a positive spin on things and live how you want to.”

Nadine Coyle said the aim of the event would be to “raise money for a piece of medical equipment that helps diagnose cancer earlier so people can be treated,” in an interview with OK! magazine last week.

The former I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! Star revealed they would be getting back together for one night only to “raise money in honour of Sarah”.

“She’s very much in the forefront of our minds. We definitely want to do something to help others,” she added.

The girls split in 2013, but were planning a reunion tour to mark their 20th anniversary before plans were shelved after Sarah’s death. JLS, meanwhile, went their separate ways in 2013, but subsequently reformed in 2020.

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