Girls Aloud announce "I'll Stand By You - Sarah's Version" to support BBC Children In Need

In 2004, Girls Aloud released "I'll Stand By You" as the official BBC Children In Need single. Now 20 years later, they will release a new version featuring Sarah Harding exclusively on lead vocals throughout.

The vocals were discovered in the Girls Aloud vault while the band were pulling together archive material for their sell-out The Girls Aloud Show arena tour earlier this year. A version of the track featuring Sarah’s vocal was a highlight of the recent tour and an emotional moment for both the band and their fans.

The song was originally a single for The Pretenders, written by Chrissie Hynde, Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly. The original version is still a staple of The Pretenders live set, with Chrissie often introducing the song with the words “Next we’re going to perform a song by the great Girls Aloud”. On hearing this new version, Chrissie says: “How wonderful to hear I’ll Stand By You with the lovely vocals of Sarah Harding leading the way for BBC Children in Need. Happy Christmas all!”

A one hour special The Girls Aloud Show: Live at The O2 will air later this autumn on ITV1. The full extended arena show will also be available to stream on ITVX.