A look back at Sarah Harding through the years – from Girls Aloud to lingerie modelling and rehab
FROM working as a waitress at Pizza Hut, to being in one of the biggest British girl groups of all time, Sarah Harding's career has had its ups and downs.
As the singer is currently in the Celebrity Big Brother house, here's a flashback of the major moments in her life and career…
Early life
Sarah was born in Ascot, Berkshire and immediately struck up an interest in the arts thanks to her musician dad, John Hardman.
Before pursuing a singing career, she worked as a nightclub promoter and as a waitress at Pizza Hut.
It wasn't until 2002 that she began chasing her dreams.
She auditioned for both Fame Academy and Popstars: The Rivals in this year.
Popstars: The Rivals
After impressing the judges on Popstars, Sarah left the Fame Academy contest behind.
She battled it out against dozens of other girls to be placed in the live shows.
Each week, the person with the least votes was eliminated from the competition.
Sarah proved to be popular with the British public, as she made it into the girl group with Nadine Coyle, Cheryl Tweedy, Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh.
The band lost the race to the Christmas No.1 to a boy group formed the same way, but Girls Aloud proved to have far more staying power – and remained together for seven years.
Girls Aloud
Sarah became a household name as she toured and performed with Girls Aloud from 2002-2009.
After their first single Sound of the Underground proved to be a smash hit, the band released their debut album with the same name in May 2003.
During their career, they released five albums, ending with Out of Control in 2008, and were constantly touring.
They also released the charity single, I’ll Stand By You, in aid of Children in Need in 2004, and a comedy cover of Walk This Way with Sugababes in 2007 for Comic Relief.
Modelling
In 2006, Sarah's striking looks landed her a £100,000 modelling deal with Ultimo.
The Girls Aloud pin-up posed for plenty of saucy shots showing off the brand's lingerie.
She also worked on other campaigns, including Coca-Cola Zero.
Acting
If modelling and singing weren't enough feathers to her cap, Sarah has also worked as an actress.
She appeared in St Trinians in 2007, before returning to the franchise in 2009 to play teenage rebel Roxy.
Harding also picked up a leading role in Run for Your Wife, where she starred alongside Danny Dyer - who The Sun recently revealed she had a six week affair with.
Party girl
The showbiz lifestyle soon took its toll on Sarah's health.
Her split from her DJ fiancé Tom Crane was another reason for her battle with addiction.
In 2011, the star entered a rehab facility for depression, alcohol addiction and prescription drug abuse.
A source exclusively told The Sun: “She’s been through a traumatic time in her personal life and had to honour her work commitments on top.
"She needs some time out to clear her head.
“Splitting from Tom has played a huge part in her decision to seek help.
"She just needs to get herself back on track emotionally. She had hit rock bottom.”
Girls Aloud reunion
After taking a break for three years, Girls Aloud reunited in 2012 for their tenth anniversary.
They toured and released Children in Need single Something New.
But the reunion was short-lived, as they announced their split in 2013.
TV career
Over the past few years, Sarah has appeared on a number of different TV shows.
Her most note-worthy appearances include The Jump and Celebrity MasterChef.
She also dabbled with a soap career after landing a guest appearance on Coronation Street.
Sadly, a life on the cobbles wasn't to be as her character was only roped into a few episodes.
