Cheryl is praised by fans for being 'incredibly strong' in her first TV appearance since ex Liam Payne's tragic death as Girls Aloud pay tribute to the late Sarah Harding

Cheryl left her fans in tears as she made her first TV appearance since her ex-boyfriend Liam Payne tragically passed away last month.

One Direction star Liam, who is the father of son Bear, seven, tragically passed away aged 31 after falling off from a balcony of his hotel room in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Cheryl, 41, joined her Girls Aloud bandmates Nadine Coyle, Nicola Roberts, and Kimberley Walsh to promote their latest charity single tribute for Sarah Harding for Children In Need on Friday. 

The pre-recorded clip was filmed earlier this year, showing the pop band introducing fans a new release of I'll Stand By You with late member Sarah on lead vocals.

Sarah tragically passed away in September 2021 at just 39 after a courageous battle with breast cancer. 

Fans hailed Cheryl for being 'incredibly strong' as they noted how she has 'lost so many loved ones in such a short time'. 

They wrote: 'Cheryl Cole has lost so many loved ones in such a short amount of time. That woman is incredibly strong.'

'A special song I'll Stand By You (Beautiful singing Nicola, Cheryl, Kimberley and Nadine) Fitting to hear Sarah singing. Loved it! Brought a tear or 2.'

'Currently crying, again. This not only means so much to the girls but it means so much to us, it's so special to hear Sarah's vocals on such a special song,' said a third.

'Oh we crying crying today.'

'This song hits differently. Such a powerful message.' 

The band, who did not appear on the show for a live performance following Liam's tragic death, struggled to hold back tears in the emotional tribute to Sarah.

Cheryl spoke about how much the song meant to them and their late friend. 

'Back in 2004 we were really honoured to be asked to release the official Children In Need single of our cover I'll Stand By You,' said Nicola. 

She was followed by Nadine, who added: 'There was a huge campaign that we travelled around the UK to promote the song and the amazing work Children In Need do.'

'When we got back together to tour earlier this year we dedicated the song I'll Stand By You to Sarah at every show,' Nicola said.

'We went through the Girls Aloud vault and put together a version where Sarah's incredible voice took the lead so we could duet with her.'

The money from each sale will be going to BBC Children In Need to help care for more children and families across the UK. 

Cheryl was previously in a relationship with Liam for two years, with the pair welcoming their child, Bear Grey, into the world on March 22, 2017. 

A few days after Liam lost his life, Cheryl broke her silence sharing a heartbreaking tribute on her Instagram page.

The former X-Factor judge shared a black and white snap of the 1D favourite and little Bear, writing in a statement: 'As I try to navigate this earth shattering event, and work through my own grief at this indescribably painful time. 

'I'd like to kindly remind everyone that we have lost a human being. 

'Liam was not only a pop star and celebrity, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a  dear friend and a father to our seven year old son. 

'A son that now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again.' 

Girls Aloud have released I'll Stand By You 20 years on with a brand new version of the track, with their beloved Sarah featuring exclusively on lead vocals throughout.  

Hearing the song on Zoe Ball's Radio 2 breakfast show for the first time last week, fans rushed to X and Instagram to say they couldn't stop 'sobbing' while listening.

'Just listened in and had a little cry, for some reason hearing this version now hit me even more than seeing it on tour! Such a beautiful tribute to Sarah.'

'Did not expect to be crying this morning; This is amazing news. What a way to honour Sarah, thank you for giving us this version'.

'9:15 AM and sobbing at I’ll stand by you Sarah’s version so so so beautiful so glad it’s the official children in need song'. 

Sarah's 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. 

I'll Stand By You - Sarah's Version premiered on Zoe Ball's Radio 2 breakfast show on Wednesday last week.

Zoe said: 'The official children in need single for 2024 is here. If we look over the years some massive hits. Hopefully this one will raise lots of money. This year, we've waited long enough, so over to you Nadine Coyle.'

Nadine introduced the track saying: 'Good morning Zoe, it's Nadine here from Girls Aloud. We have something really special to share with you this morning. This is the official Children in Need single for 2024. 

'We've made a new version of I'll Stand By You which features our wonderful Sarah on lead vocals throughout. It really is a special celebration of Sarah and also Girls Aloud's involvement with Children in Need over the years. 

'So, for the first time, here on Radio 2, this is the Children in Need single for 2024, I'll Stand By You.'

After the song aired, Zoe added: 'We all have watery eyes, that was so special. I'm so glad it is Girls Aloud. 

'You are hearing Sarah's voice and thinking about those children that need support.'