06 March 2024 , 22:52
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Celebrity Big Brother contestant Louis Walsh became emotional as he discussed working with Sarah Harding in the past.
The 71-year-old music manager helped put Girls Aloud together when they were formed on ITV’s Popstars: The Rivals back in 2002. Louis was a judge on the show alongside music producer Pete Waterman and Spice Girls icon Geri Horner and they brought Cheryl Tweedy, Nadine Coyle, Nicola Roberts, Kimberley Walsh and late singer Sarah together as the future chart topping band.
Louis is now a contestant on ITV’s Celebrity Big Brother - starring alongside other celebs including Sharon Osbourne, 71, Love Island star Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu, 29, and West End actress Marisha Wallace, 38. On Wednesday, scenes showed Louis chatting with Ekin-Su and Marisha at the make up tables.
As he reflected on his career and the people he has worked with, Louis became emotional as he discussed working with Girls Aloud and Sarah - who tragically died in September 2021 at the age of 39 following a brave battle against cancer. While Girls Aloud themselves have previously cleaned they had to take control of their music careers themselves as they felt abandoned by Louis after competing on the ITV talent show, it is clear he has fond memories of the group.
Louis Walsh became emotional while thinking about Sarah Harding in the Celebrity Big Brother house (ITV)Discussing his past, Louis began by saying: “I liked working on X Factor. I didn’t realise how big it was, at the time. I was between Simon and Sharon, two big divas. We had no script.”
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Ekin-Su urged him to write his memoirs, but Louis said: “I don’t think I will. I won’t.” He then went on to discuss how much he enjoyed working with 40-year-old Cheryl when she was an X Factor judge too.
He said: “She was great. I didn’t always get on with her. I can’t say anything bad at all about Girls Aloud. They were great. They were great looking girls. Great songs!”
Sarah Harding - who was herself a Celebrity Big Brother contestant in 2017 - died in 2021 (PA)
Louis was reflecting on his career and past (ITV)Ekin-Su then asked him about 38-year-old Nadine and he said: “Of course! I got Nadine to go for it. She was supposed to be on the Irish Posters, but she lied about her age. She didn’t want to do it. She felt damaged.”
He then became withdrawn and sounded emotional as he said: “And poor Sarah Harding.” Ekin-Su gasped and said: “Oh no don’t.” Lamenting Sarah’s tragic death, Louis said: “I mean, what a waste.” And Ekin-Su added: “She went so young.”
Louis then went on to reflect on working on the American version of The X Factor which featured Simon Cowell as a main judge and pop sensation Britney Spears. He recalled: “I was on that for two days. With Britney! I sat with Britney. She was there, but she wasn’t really there. She had earplugs in.” He then impersonated Britney by staring blankly into space. Ekin-Su asked if Britney’s earplugs had a link to someone instructing her what to say.
He said: “I don’t think so.” He then went on to explain that he was a huge fan of the Womaniser singer, saying: “I love her. I love her too. I love her music.”