November 17: Sarah Harding of Girls Aloud is 32-years-old today.

 

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Sarah Nicole Hardman was born November 17, 1981 in Ascot, Berkshire, England. She grew up in a musical household and has attributed her "musical genes" to her musician father.

After attending Stockport College where she studied hair and beauty, she then worked as part of the promotions team for 2 nightclubs in The Grand Central Leisure Park in Stockport as well as waitressing at Pizza Hut, driving a van, debt collecting and as a BT telephone operator. She also toured North West England performing at pubs, social clubs, and caravan parks to support herself.

In 2002, she was recording dance tracks when she decided to audition for Popstars: The Rivals. The programme announced that Harding had won a place as a member of the girl group, Girls Aloud.

The group, which in addition to Sarah included Cheryl Cole, Nadine Coyle, Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh  has achieved massive success, having twenty consecutive top ten singles (including four number ones) in the UK, six studio albums have all been certified platinum by the British Phonographic Industry, two of which went to number one in the UK, and accumulating a total of five BRIT Award nominations. In 2009, Girls Aloud won "Best Single" with their song "The Promise.”

Alongside her Girls Aloud bandmates, Harding made a cameo appearance in St. Trinian's in 2007. She took on her first major acting role in 2008, appearing in the low-budget thriller Bad Day.

In July 2009, Girls Aloud announced they would take a year-long hiatus to pursue solo projects, but would reunite for a new studio album in 2010.

During Girls Aloud's hiatus, Harding decided to focus on her acting career. Harding appeared in the BBC television film Freefall. She also worked with Girls Aloud producers Xenomania to record three solo tracks for the film's soundtrack – "Too Bad," "Make It Easy," and a cover of David Bowie's "Boys Keep Swinging.”

Harding also appeared in Bad Day, the BBC television film Freefall, Run for Your Wife, and St. Trinian's 2: The Legend of Fritton's Gold. Harding contributed three solo songs to the soundtrack of St. Trinian's 2. Harding has also modeled for Ultimo lingerie. In 2011, Harding entered a rehab facility for depression, alcohol addiction, and prescription drug abuse.

In late 2012, Harding reunited with Girls Aloud to celebrate their tenth anniversary as a band. The group released the single "Something New" in November followed by their second greatest hits anthology Ten, and the single "Beautiful Cause You Love Me.” After a tour to promote the new album,  the group announced they decided to split up the group for good. 

In June 2012, Harding announced plans to release a solo album in 2013. In September 2012, she said that she had been "writing and experimenting with different sounds in the studio."


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