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Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Girls Aloud's Kimberley Walsh admits 'we're in a different stage' after reunion
EXCLUSIVE: Kimberley Walsh has opened up about her time with Girls Aloud following their sold-out tour last year, honouring their late bandmate, Sarah Harding, and how their kids were blown away on tour Kimberley Walsh admits that she and her Girls Aloud bandmates are now in a "different stage" of their lives. The chart-mauling group, which launched in 2002, reunited last year to celebrate their 20th anniversary and also honour their late bandmate, Sarah Harding. Sarah died aged just 39, on September 5, 2021, after she was diagnosed with breast cancer, which had metastasised to other parts of her body. Prior to her death, the singer had told her bandmates it was her wish that they carry on and honour her, as well as the legacy of the band. Throughout the tour, Kimberley, Cheryl Tweedy, Nicola Roberts and Nadine Coyle kept Sarah's memory alive, with her iconic parts from Something New and The Promise blasting out to audiences night after night, something the girls were keen to keep in the show. "I think people were having a really good time," Kimberley exclusively told the Mirror, adding: "It did feel really special." Speaking about including Sarah, the Bradford-born singer, actress, and presenter said: "That was the biggest challenge and that was the focus for all of us during those creative meetings, 'How do we give Sarah her moment and keep her flowing throughout the show?' "For us, that was so important; we wanted to feel like she was still with us. I do think we achieved that, we tried to bring it back to her whenever possible and give everybody that time to reminisce and celebrate her." During the show, Sarah's lead vocals played during I'll Stand By You, a recording the band discovered when preparing for the tour. Kimberley said: "That was a tough moment every night, but we all needed it too, we all needed to take that minute. As hard as it was, I loved that part of the show." The tour was also very different, with Kimberley, Cheryl and Nadine's children seeing their mum, and Auntie Nicola as popstars for the first time. "I think it was a little bit mind-blowing for them," Kimberley laughed, before explaining her children, Bobby, nine, Cole, seven and two-year-old Nate, know her mainly for her presenting work. "I don't think they really got it until they turned up at the arena for the first show," she explained. But it was the reaction from the sold-out audience which left her children baffled. "They started off finding it weird and ended quite enjoying it," she laughed. The group had their children on the tour buses with them. There's just six months between Nadine's daughter, Anaíya and Kimberley's eldest, Bobby. "There's only a few months between Cole and Bear [Cheryl's son with the late Liam Payne], and everyone just looked after Nate because he was the baby," she said, adding it was fun for the children to enjoy the celebrations together. Kimberley added: "For us as mums, we're in a very different stage of our lives, so we were able to enjoy it for ourselves but also see it through their eyes." Kimberley, however, has put her solo career on hold following the birth of Nate in June 2021. Her debut album, Centre Stage, which charted at Number 18, became a fan favourite. "I've taken a step back from musical theatre over the last few years, with Nate being so young," she said. She explained that she didn't want to miss any vital moments of her children's lives, as she feels as though she'd just had Nate. "It made sense not to be in the theatre over the last few years," she said, while laughing that in a few years, her children may not care if she's home at bedtime every night. "It is a real passion of mine, the album, I love the album, it was a really special time for me," she said. Adding: "I'd just discovered my voice a bit more, realising what I was capable of doing, which was a bit of a revelation for me. It was fun to be able to challenge myself. I'd love to do a Centre Stage part two." Could Kimberley be back on stage any time soon though? She said: "I would love to be back on stage in the theatre, there's something so special about that environment." That is an environment her children haven't been "properly immersed in" yet, due to their young ages. Kimberley isn't the only singer in their household, though, with her husband Justin Scott, previously being a member of the boyband Triple 8, and young Bobby wants to be a "singing builder." Kimberley explained that Bob had been wanting to model for several years. "He's really quite serious about it," she said, before explaining that it was great for his confidence. "We're all learning aren't we, we never really know what the right decision is," she said, but added that she and Bobby have a similar personality. Away from singing and acting, Kimberley keeps herself busy, presenting a various of shows, including Morning Live, in Manchester, which she credits for working around her schedule. She said: "I don't want to be away from the kids too much. And the tour is probably one of the most full-on things I've done over the last few years. But again, they were able to be involved. They were thrilled about that. They were able to come on the bus and be on tour with us, which was a really good experience for them." Most recently, she launched her third paint shade, Blush Rose, with Wickes. "I've always been really into DIY and interiors," she said, adding it's been one of the most exciting projects she's done. "And I've done a lot of fun stuff over the years! But in my life now, I absolutely love my home. I love interiors," Kimberley laughed. Speaking about getting her London home to where she wants it to be, the singer said: "When I started working with Wickes three or four years ago, my house really needed to be redecorated. I'd been in it for over ten years, and it was looking a bit tired. I was so ready to transform it. So now, I feel like it's like we've just moved in! I love walking into each space and seeing the changes I've made - seeing my paint colours in all their glory. They really suit my home. I've got a really traditional home, and a lot of the paints have that vintage feel to them." The majority of the redecorating was done during Nate's nap times. She said: "I've really enjoyed the time I spent decorating and doing DIY in the home. It's a nice way of escaping for a minute. When I get time to just paint all day, I can really get into it—put my music on, get the tea flowing, get the biscuits out, and just forget about everything but be mindful. Because as a mum of three with various jobs, my brain's quite busy! It's actually a positive thing." Away from Morning Live, singing and acting, Kimberley also fancies fronting a new "amazing concept" for a DIY show. "I know there's a lot of them around, but it's tricky to find a different angle sometimes, but they are so addictive," she joked. She continued: "I think it would need to be geared more around giving people the tools to do stuff themselves, because it can be expensive to pay tradesmen, you should only be doing that if it's something you can't do yourself. Just give it a go, but we'll see, we'll work on that!" Speaking about social media and helping people with ideas, Kimberley said: "If money is tight and you're trying to do a transformation, you need to save money where you can. For me, with something like painting, practice makes perfect. Also, there's so many tutorials online. DIY can feel overwhelming, but nothing is impossible!" Matt Emulsion Paint in Blush Rose by Kimberley Walsh,£14, from branches of Wickes and online at
Daily Mirror
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Girls Aloud icon shares huge career move after emotional reunion tour
A Girls Aloud icon revealed her new career plans after going on a reunion tour in memory of the late Sarah Harding Girls Aloud icon Kimberley Walsh shared her desire to create another music competition that would create a "really amazing girl band". The 43-year-old star recently reunited with bandmates Cheryl Tweedy, Nicola Roberts and Nadine Coyle for a mammoth tour in honour of the late Sarah Harding, performing across the nation. Kimberley was over the moon with the fans' reaction to the stars reuniting for the tour and admitted she thinks the UK needs another iconic girl group as there is "space for more". The singer said she's had a few chats with a commissioner about a possible competition programme. "There is actually a guy that I knew from years and years ago that worked on our Pop Stars: The Rivals programme and we were saying that maybe it's time to create another show that would create a really amazing girl band," she said. "I feel like the reaction to us coming back was quite something and none of us really expected it to be quite so huge, which clearly shows people still love girl bands and there's a space for more," Kimberley added to The Sun. The star also said she only wants to be a mentor if a programme were to be created. She went on to say that no new groups 'coming out' and claimed they haven't been seen in the mainstream media anymore. Kimberley took to Twitter the night before Girls Aloud's final concert on March 20 last year, to confirm that she was about to perform at their "penultimate show". Throughout the emotional concert, Sarah's memory was kept very much alive, with her iconic "Take a walk on the wild side of life," from Something New being played across the arenas. As the band wrapped up their performance, a huge screen appeared on stage during The Promise, allowing Sarah to shine once again as she belted out: "So here I am, a walking primrose, wondering when I'm gonna see you again," as fans and the band cheered for the late star. Moments before the four girls walked off stage, a photograph of Sarah appeared behind them alongside the text: "In loving memory of Sarah Nicole Harding. 17.11.81 05.09.2021." The late singer tragically died aged 39 – after confirming her initial diagnosis of breast cancer had advanced to various parts of her body. Despite her diagnosis, Sarah continued to put on a fight and updated fans on her condition. Although she was initially responding well to treatment, she sadly died on September 5, 2021, surrounded by her family.
Daily Record
09-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Almond Valley MSP welcomes additional paid family leave for foster and kinship carers
This new policy means employers across Scotland can now offer meaningful support to foster and kinship carers, helping to create workplaces that are inclusive, understanding and responsive to their unique needs. Almond Valley MSP Angela Constance welcomed the news that the Scottish Government has taken an important step forward by introducing additional paid family leave for foster and kinship carers. This new policy means employers across Scotland can now offer meaningful support to foster and kinship carers, helping to create workplaces that are inclusive, understanding and responsive to their unique needs. Speaking about the announcement, Angela said: 'The key role that foster and kinship carers play in providing safe and loving homes for our children and young people cannot be overstated. 'In Almond Valley and right across Scotland, they are central to our shared ambition of delivering The Promise by 2030. 'I am delighted to see the Scottish Government recognising this through additional paid family leave, which will make a real difference to many families.' This move highlights the Scottish Government's commitment to improving the lives of children and young people in care, and to supporting those who open their homes and hearts to them.
Scotsman
01-07-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
Residents at Paisley care home enjoy visit from MSP
HC-One Scotland's Kyle Court Care Home in Paisley, Renfrewshire, was visited on Friday 27th June by MSP for Renfrewshire North and West & Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise, Natalie Don-Innes. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Residents and colleagues of the HC-One Scotland owned care home enjoyed meeting their MSP, Natalie Don-Innes, and chatting to her about what life is like at Kyle Court Care Home – which is an integral part of the local Paisley community. MSP Natalie Don-Innes enjoyed a tour round the 60 bedded nursing and nursing dementia care home, including the hair salon, nail bar, hobby room, kitchenette, memory room, pub, quiet room, sensory garden, lounge, ensuite and premier bedrooms and landscaped gardens. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Annmarie Speirs, Care Manager at HC-One Scotland's Kyle Court Care Home, commented: 'We were delighted to welcome MSP Natalie Don-Innes to our home. Everyone had a great time, chatting and discussing key issues they care about and what actions can be taken to overcome them.' MSP for Renfrewshire North and West & Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise, Natalie Don-Innes and Annmarie Speirs, Care Manager at HC-One Scotland's Kyle Court Care Home MSP for Renfrewshire North and West & Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise, Natalie Don-Innes, said: 'I was delighted to visit Kyle Court Care Home again as part of Care Home Open Week 2025. 'From the moment I walked in, it was clear just how much care and attention goes into everything the staff do. Annmarie, the Care Home Manager, leads a fantastic team who are clearly passionate about creating a welcoming and safe environment where residents feel at home. Their commitment to not only supporting residents, but also building strong relationships with their families and loved ones was evident throughout the visit. 'I particularly enjoyed hearing about the wide variety of activities available to residents – from mindfulness sessions and dancing, to arts and crafts, and even day trips on the minibus. There truly is something for everyone, and it's wonderful to see such a person-centred approach being embraced. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Social care workers are the backbone of our communities, playing an essential role in supporting older people with compassion and dignity. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the staff at Kyle Court, and to all carers across Renfrewshire, for their hard work, dedication and kindness.'
News18
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
'Hema Malini Zeenat Aman Ban Jaye Toh Kaun Accept Karega': Why Yash Chopra DROPPED Film On Plastic Surgery
Poonam Dhillon shares how Yash Chopra rejected her film idea inspired by The Promise. Actor Poonam Dhillon recently opened up about an old conversation with late filmmaker Yash Chopra that stayed with her for years. While returning from Japan, she was really taken by the plot of Danielle Steel's novel The Promise and believed it had the potential to become a great Hindi film. She approached Yash Chopra with the idea and shared the story with him. 'I told Yashji. I said, 'Yashji, ek bohot achchi kahani maini padhi hai. I think it's a lovely story'. He said, 'I don't read books, you give it to Pam, she'll read it and tell me'. So I said, 'Okay'. Yeah, so Pam ji read it probably again in a day. It was a very fast read. And she gave him the narration of the subject. And I was very excited waiting for his reaction. So I said, Yash ji, you read it, Pam ji told you." But Yash Chopra wasn't convinced. 'He said, 'Yes, yes. But this film, our Hindi audience won't accept it'. I said, 'Why Yash ji, it's such a good story, you know, romantic story, everything'," Poonam said. The director pointed out what he believed was a major issue with the story. 'He said, acha ek baat bata. Hema Malini Zeenat Aman ban jaae, kon accept karega?" she recalled. 'He finished my dream there and then, and the story was over. Yash Chopra toh nahi banane waale the." Though Yash Chopra didn't pursue the idea, the story was eventually made into a film titled Yeh Vaada Raha in 1982, directed by Kapil Kapoor. When Poonam was offered the project, she immediately agreed. But despite her excitement, the film struggled at the box office. Reflecting on the outcome, she admitted that Chopra had a point. 'And sure, it proved right enough. At that time, plastic surgery wasn't something people would accept so easily. And that whole face has changed, and the same person is etc. So, it didn't work well at that time," she said. First Published:
