Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding has died following a battle with breast cancer.

The singer revealed last year that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer, with the disease spreading to other parts of her body.

In a post on Instagram, Harding’s mother Marie said: “It’s with deep heartbreak that today I’m sharing the news that my beautiful daughter Sarah has sadly passed away.

“Many of you will know of Sarah’s battle with cancer and that she fought so strongly from her diagnosis until her last day. She slipped away peacefully this morning.

“I’d like to thank everyone for their kind support over the past year. It meant the world to Sarah and it gave her great strength and comfort to know she was loved.

“I know she won’t want to be remembered for her fight against this terrible disease – she was a bright shining star and I hope that’s how she can be remembered instead. – Marie x”.

TV personality Lizzie Cundy said she is “heartbroken” following the death of Sarah Harding.

In a post on Twitter, accompanied by a picture of them together, she said: “A beautiful girl inside and out … Heartbroken.

“Thank you for the fun times dear Sarah. Rest in peace my friend.”

A tweet from the official account of Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly said: “Such sad news. RIP Sarah xx”.

TV star Denise Van Outen commented on the Instagram post from Sarah Harding’s mother, Marie, announcing her death.

Van Outen wrote: “This is so heartbreaking. Rest in peace beautiful Sarah. Thinking of you all. Family and friends”.

Model and TV star Jodie Kidd wrote: “Heart aches, fly high and shine bright bubba girl x I am so so sorry”.

TV presenter Vernon Kay described Harding as “the driving energy in the room” on social media.

“Very sad news,” he tweeted.

“From the moment Pop Idol finished GA were regularly on T4 and Radio1. Sarah was always the driving energy in the room… RIP.”

Reality TV star Calum Best has spoken of the “crazy fun times and adventures” he had with Sarah Harding.

He said on Twitter: “Jesus this one hits home, so damn sad, so young.

“I hope u rest In peace Sarah we had some crazy fun times and adventures.

“U will be so very missed. Sending so much love to ur mom.”

His post was accompanied by three pictures of him with the former Girls Aloud member.

JLS star Oritse Williams tweeted: “Heartbreaking to hear that Sarah Harding from Girls Aloud has just passed away after a long battle with cancer. The times we met she was always so bubbly, such a big beautiful personality. My sincerest sympathies and heart goes out to Sarah’s friends, family & band members.”

Steps star Ian “H” Watkins wrote on the Instagram post: “Fly high beautiful Sarah xx I will miss you xx”.

Fearne Cotton was among those paying tribute on the Instagram post from Sarah Harding’s mother announcing her death aged 39.

Cotton wrote: “Oh my gosh I’m so sorry to hear this. I’m sending your family so much love and strength. She was always kind and so much fun to be around. I’m very sorry for your loss. Prayers and love to you.”

Alesha Dixon has described Sarah Harding as a “shining star” following her death.

The singer and talent show judge said on Twitter: “A sad day!

“Such a shining star! Rest in peace beautiful Sarah.”

Former Spandau Ballet member Martin Kemp has tweeted his condolences to Sarah Harding’s family and friends.

“Sarah Harding so sad, my heart goes out to all your friends and family and all your fans,” he tweeted.

“Rest in peace!”

Have you got a story for us? You can contact us here.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

Sign up to our newsletters to get updates sent straight to your inbox.