Cheryl has cancelled her upcoming performance at Birmingham Pride following the recent death of Girls Aloud bandmate Sarah Harding. 

The Call My Name singer was due to perform on the Main Stage of the event on Saturday, September 25, but explained in an Instagram statement she’s not “emotionally, mentally or physically able” to appear.

“Saying goodbye to somebody you spent such a massive piece of your life with is like nothing else,” Cheryl began. 

“My heart is heavy, grief is such a harsh experience and an absolute rollercoaster of emotions, questions without answers and pain without resolve, so tumultuous and constant.”

She continued: “With that said I am so sorry but I really am not emotionally, mentally or physically able to perform for you this Saturday at Birmingham Pride.

“I apologise wholeheartedly and I can only hope for your understanding (I promise I will make it up to you somehow).

“I feel now I just need some time to sit with my feelings and process the grief…” she continued, adding, “Nothing prepares you for this bit.”

Sarah passed away on September 5 at the age of 39, following a battle with breast cancer.

In a subsequent statement, Birmingham Pride organisers said: “Naturally we are disappointed that Cheryl is unable to perform for us all this weekend, but we fully understand and respect her decision. 

“Personal loss and grief, in the big scheme of things are far more important than any single performance.”

Explaining Cheryl’s fee will be donated to cancer charities, they added:  “Birmingham Pride is much more than our artist line up, it’s about us, our community.

“We have taken the decision to show our support by donating Cheryl’s fee, in its entirety, to a cancer charity or charities that support LGBTQ+ people living with cancer.

“We send our thoughts and wishes to Cheryl and the family of Sarah Harding.”

Sister Sledge, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Mutya Buena, Black Box and more are set to perform at the two-day Birmingham Pride event this weekend.