Katie Price in emotional tribute to Sarah Harding who was a bridesmaid at her wedding as she breaks social media silence

KATIE Price broke her social media silence to pay tribute to her friend and former bridesmaid Sarah Harding.

The singer's mum revealed the tragic news the former Girls Aloud star has died after battling breast cancer.

Katie, who hasn't posted for two weeks after an alleged assault, shared a picture of them together on Loose Women.

Writing on Instagram, she said: "I'm devastated to hear my friend, @sarahnicoleharding has passed. You were always such a genuine and honest person.

"I will remember the all laughs we used to have back in the day... I always valued Sarah's friendship and my thoughts go out to her family and friends. ❤."

Katie urged Sarah to get in touch with her during a chat-show appearance earlier this year but it's not known if the two women ever reconnected.

Speaking on Steph's Packed Lunch in April, the 43-year-old star said: "She was my bridesmaid. You lose touch with people over the years for various reasons.

"I've even left her an Instagram message to get in contact. She's not in a good place now. She's probably got her network of people.

"It would be nice to go through memories, happy memories. If Sarah's watching, get in contact. I'd love to see you too."

Katie said the Girls Aloud star was bridesmaid at her wedding to Peter Andre, but that they had lost contact in recent years.

Sarah was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer last August and underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy in a bid to prolong her life.

But the singer's mum Marie today confirmed the heartbreaking news of her daughter's death - saying her "shining star" had "slipped away" after bravely fighting the disease for 12 months.

More on Sarah's tragic death:

• Sarah gushed about being 'so happy' in her final Instagram post
• Tributes have poured in from celeb pals led by her famous ex
• Inside Sarah's fun-loving life from Girls Aloud glory to reality fame
• Sarah passed away with her family by her side

She wrote: "It's with deep heartbreak that today I'm sharing the news that my beautiful daughter Sarah has sadly passed away.

"Many of you will know of Sarah's battle with cancer and that she fought so strongly from her diagnosis until her last day.

"She slipped away peacefully this morning. I'd like to thank everyone for their kind support over the past year. It meant the world to Sarah and it gave her great strength and comfort to know she was loved.

"I know she won't want to be remembered for her fight against this terrible disease - she was a bright shining star and I hope that's how she can be remembered instead.- Marie x".