November 16th 2024.
The annual fundraiser Children in Need aired on BBC on Friday evening and left viewers feeling emotional. One particular part of the show stood out – the re-release of Girls Aloud's single "Stand By You," now known as "Sarah's Version" in honor of their late bandmate Sarah Harding. The 39-year-old singer had passed away in September 2021 after battling breast cancer.
This year marks the twentieth anniversary of Girls Aloud's original version of The Pretenders' 1994 hit, which was also released in support of the charity. The 2024 version features old recordings of Harding's voice, giving her the lead vocals on the track. In a pre-recorded video, the band members – Kimberley Walsh, Nicola Roberts, Cheryl, and Nadine Coyle – sat together to introduce the official Children in Need song.
"This is 'Stand By You,' Sarah's version, the official Children in Need 2024 single, and it is dedicated tonight to our Sarah," stated Kimberley, 42. "We miss you, and we love you."
After the Girls Aloud segment, the show played only a snippet of the song, leaving fans wanting more. However, BBC later aired the full song with a montage of clips at the end of the program.
Fans took to social media to express their emotions, with one writing, "Currently crying, again. This not only means so much to the girls but it means so much to us, it's so special to hear Sarah's vocals on such a special song." Another fan said, "Sarah's legacy lives on in every note," while a third fan account summed up the mood by saying, "Ignoring the fact you should've shown the full video...a beautiful tribute from four wonderful and amazing women. Love each and every one of them so much, Sarah will always be remembered."
BBC Children in Need raised an incredible £39 million this year, including £8.8 million raised by presenter Paddy McGuinness on his five-day cycling challenge from Wales to Scotland. The three-hour TV special also featured appearances by Oscar-winning actor Gary Oldman, presenter Graham Norton, singer Kylie Minogue, and Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa.
"What an INCREDIBLE total raised for BBC Children in Need this year! Thank you to everyone who donated, your support is going to help Make Life Lighter for so many children and young people all over the UK," the official account posted, thanking everyone for their contributions.
If you still wish to donate, you can do so here.
Apart from the Children in Need special, Girls Aloud will also be appearing in an eagerly-anticipated concert film that will air on ITV this Sunday at 8pm. Ahead of the airing, The Girls Aloud Show: The Interview was released on ITVX, an interview conducted by presenter Ben Shephard. In the 20-minute interview recorded on October 8, the band members gave an insight into their reunion and their future plans.
"We're catching our breath, one thing I have learnt in my infinite wisdom, at my ripe age, is that you can genuinely never say never," shared Cheryl, 41, about their potential future projects. Nicola, 39, added, "I don't think we saw ourselves doing this tour. At one time, we didn't think we could see us doing this."
Children in Need was Cheryl's first TV appearance since the passing of her ex-husband, Liam Payne. The 31-year-old singer had passed away on October 16 after a fatal fall from the third-floor balcony of his hotel suite in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was the father of her seven-year-old son, Bear.
Previously, Cheryl released a statement on social media, supported by her Girls Aloud co-stars, urging people to remember that they had lost a human being. "Liam was not only a pop star and celebrity, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend, and a father to our 7-year-old son. A son that now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again," she wrote.
She also pleaded for people to be respectful and not spread hurtful rumors as they grieve. "Please give Liam the little dignity he has left in the wake of his death to rest in some peace at last. Thank you, Cheryl."
The Agency has reached out to BBC for comment.
In case you missed it, Children in Need is available to watch on BBC iPlayer, and The Girls Aloud Show: The Interview is available to stream on ITVX. The Girls Aloud Show will air on ITV on November 17 at 8pm.
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