Girls Aloud's former manager left out of girl group’s big 2024 comeback

13 January 2024 , 18:04

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(l-r) Kimberley Walsh, Nadine Coyle, Nicola Roberts and Cheryl (Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for The Londoner)

Girls Aloud have sparked a row with their old manager after leaving her out of their 2024 reunion, sources say.

The pop superstars – Cheryl, Nadine Coyle, Kimberley Walsh and Nicola Roberts – last year announced plans to embark on a 30-date tour in memory of bandmate Sarah Harding. But sources say former manager Hilary Shaw, who masterminded the group from 2005, was shocked when they employed a team from Fascination Management.

One source says: “Hilary was the driving force behind Girls Aloud from 2005 on, and was heavily involved in their 2012 comeback. So the decision to exclude her from plans for the 2024 tour felt like a real snub. She’s told pals she’s heartbroken. She put huge effort into the girls’ success and it paid off over and over. Now, it seems, she’s out in the cold.”

Kimberley Walsh with former manager Hilary Shaw (Getty Images)

Girls Aloud began working with Hilary after parting ways with their first manager Louis Walsh, who had overseen their career since they were put together on Popstars: The Rivals in December 2002. Louis later admitted he had been “too busy” with his boybands to focus on Girls Aloud but with Hilary, the band went on to enjoy ground-breaking success.

Hilary also became close to the girls – especially Cheryl, who was reportedly overheard confiding in her about her marriage woes with Ashley Cole.

Cheryl receives standing ovation with Girls Aloud pals supporting West End debut

Kimberley Walsh, Nicola Roberts, Nadine Coyle, Cheryl Cole and Sarah Harding perform in 2013 (Getty Images)

In 2011, when Cheryl chose will.i.am to manage her solo career, Hilary continued to look after Cheryl’s charitable foundation. And it was her who announced the group’s 10-year comeback in 2012.

Hilary last night insisted she was not surprised by the decision to leave her out. She said: “I’m delighted about their 2024 tour and delighted that my good friends at Fascination Management are managing the tour.”

A spokesman for Girls Aloud declined to comment.

Janine Yaqoob