Girls Aloud ended months of speculation today when they announced their return with a new single, album and tour.
Nicola Roberts, Sarah Harding, Kimberley Walsh, Cheryl Cole and Nadine Coyle gathered at The Corinthia hotel in Embankment to announce their plans, which will mark their 10th anniversary.
They will embark on an arena tour early next year, taking in the O2 on March 1 and 2, with the possibility of more dates if tickets sell well. Something New, their single, is out on November 18 and will be the official track for BBC Children In Need. The girls will perform it for the first time during the charity TV show on November 16.
New album Ten, combining their greatest hits with four new songs, is due for release on November 26.
The deluxe version of the album will feature a second disc with songs chosen by fans, who can vote for their favourites at girlsaloud.com/ten.
Roberts said the reunion was "meant to be" in their anniversary year.
Coyle said they would "wait and see how the fans react" before deciding what would happen next.
Cole said it was "incredible" to be back together, saying: "If you asked us 10 years ago we wouldn't have dreamt we'd be here today".
Tickets for the tour, which will also visit Glasgow, Newcastle, Birmingham, Manchester, and Liverpool, go on sale next Friday.
Cole, 29, has forged a successful solo career and became the nation’s sweetheart as a judge on X Factor. Harding, 30, tried her hand at acting and is working on a solo project, while Coyle, 27, opened an Irish pub in California.
Walsh, 30, was Princess Fiona in Shrek The Musical and has been a TV presenter. Roberts, 27, created a make-up range for women with paler skin called Dainty Doll and had some success with a solo album.
