Kimberley: “There’s still a lot of love between Girls Aloud”
Kimberley Walsh talks surprise reunions, play dates with Cheryl and why she wants all mums to be more body confident
A very public rift and A rumours of fiery rivalry had appeared to shut down fans’ hopes of a Girls Aloud reunion. But Kimberley Walsh hints she’s open to the possibility of reforming the band and insists the girls are anything but enemies.
The group – Kimberley, Cheryl, Nicola Roberts, Nadine Coyle and Sarah Harding – found global success after their first single, Sound Of The Underground, hit No.1 in 2003. But after the band split a decade later, Nadine revealed a secret feud with Cheryl, also claiming she was never even told about the band going on a hiatus and was frozen out because it was obvious she had the best vocals. And in 2017, Sarah admitted she didn’t stay in touch with anyone but Nadine, adding, “I haven’t seen or heard from one of them for forever.”
TREASURED MOMENTS
But Kimberley, who has two sons, Bobby, three, and Cole, one, with her husband, Triple 8 singer Justin Scott, says there’s no animosity between the gang.
Speaking on her Made By Mammas podcast, the 37-year-old said, “There are no plans to [have a reunion], but it’s a weird one. People always ask me – I could never categorically say it’s never going to happen, but it’s not happening right now.
“There’s a lot of love between us all, despite what people may think. We spent 15 years together – a ridiculous amount of time – so you’re always going to treasure those moments. Maybe one day the stars will realign and we’ll do something, with all the troops of kids that we didn’t have in the band before!”
And while Cheryl has only shared a handful of snaps of her son Bear, who is almost two, Kimberley reveals they regularly meet up for play dates.
Kimberley said, “Cole and Bear are so similar in age – in the first year it was a daily Whatsapp thing [between me and Cheryl]. There are so many things to talk about in the first few months, with the feeding and weaning – all of those things. Now it’s quite nice because we’re in more of a chilled place.
“They’re both walking and talking a little bit. It’s easier. She came over for Bobby’s party, but there were a few babies Bear’s age as well – they were just playing and we were actually talking. We were like, ‘Wow, this has actually changed.’ It’s nice that it’s got to that point where they’ll play and occupy themselves a little bit more.”
Last week, Kimberley was praised by fans for sharing a candid bikini snap of her post-baby body, taken just four months after the birth of Bobby. She wrote in the caption, “I even remember thinking… if any other mums find comfort in this then I’ll take one for the team. Anyway the long and short of it is, we make humans. We are superwomen. Body confidence and happiness comes from inside and I was pretty happy with my newfound bundle of joy.”
Kimberley – who gained 3st during her first pregnancy – added on her podcast, “I could see my body changing and, by the end of the pregnancy with Bobby, I was huge. He was a big baby, but when I look back now I think my nose had doubled in size!
EATING FOR TWO
“My bottom was basically the same size as my bump – slightly concerning! If I stood on the side, it was the same size both ways.
“But I had a very healthy baby, and that was the main thing. With Cole, I chilled out on the eating for two thing, because I couldn’t be bothered with the regime to get back in shape.”
And Kimberley admits after having to keep her body in check during Girls Aloud, she was thankful to have the chance to give her regime a break.
She said, “When I found out I was pregnant with Bobby, I was so happy that I didn’t have to worry about dieting or anything like that for 10 months! I was prepared to go into January and do a full-on health routine for the next few weeks and then, when I found out I was pregnant, I was like, ‘Yes!’
“I felt like I did have to keep in tone to a point [in Girls Aloud], but no one put pressure on me. I think, like most young girls, you want to stay
slim and healthy, so I did what I could to stay a decent size. I have to say, I’m not a naturally skinny person, so it does take a bit of effort, whereas the other four could eat Mcdonald’s every day and still be tiny.” Now, Kimberley wants to encourage more mums to feel confident. “Confidence comes from the inside,” she said. “I’m happy in my own skin, whether I look bigger or smaller, usually I’m still kind of happy, if that makes sense. I just try not to let those things dictate how I feel. It’s not easy, but it just depends on the person you are.”
‘I’m not a naturally skinny person’