Girls Aloud stars Cheryl and Nicola Roberts have led tributes to late bandmate Sarah Harding on what would have been her 40th birthday. 

The singer passed away in September following a battle with cancer and, marking her first birthday since her passing, the pair took to social media to remember their friend. 

Alongside a video montage, soundtracked by Maroon 5’s Memories, Cheryl penned: “Memories may be all we’re left with, but they’re enough to last a lifetime #Sarahs40th.”

In the video, Kimberley discusses the girls’ early days on ‘Popstars: The Rivals’, saying of Sarah: “Seeing this blonde bombshell running around the auditions like a madwoman.”

Cheryl adds: “[She] always stood out as her own character, and kind of a crazy one that was just unique and in her own world.”

Meanwhile, Nicole posted a gallery of snaps of herself and Sarah and wrote: “I know you’re somewhere making trouble live one. Happy Earth birthday Sarah. 

“Love, miss and thinking about you all the time. I feel your energy like you’re still here. 

“Wish we could have ran riot around town like we used to for your big 4.0 today! Cause a supernova up there electric girl.”

Kimberley also shared a message, writing on her page: “Today is a very strange day. We have celebrated so many birthdays together over the years so this feels very surreal. 

“I hoped with all my heart that we would be celebrating our 40th’s together too as we planned. 

Sarah announced she had been diagnosed with “advanced” breast cancer in August 2020 and revealed the disease had spread to other parts of her body.

Earlier this year, the singer released her memoir ‘Hear Me Out‘, and shared the devastating news of her prognosis, confirming: “In December my doctor told me that the upcoming Christmas would probably be my last.”

However, Sarah said she was “trying to live and enjoy every second of my life, however long it might be”.

“You ALWAYS brought the party and I have spent today reflecting and reliving all the amazing memories we made.”