BBC Children in Need viewers were left unimpressed as the show appeared to cut short a tribute to the late Sarah Harding, who was a member of Girls Aloud
Children in Need: Girls Aloud present ‘I’ll Stand by You’ for Sarah
BBC Children in Need viewers were left feeling somewhat let down on Friday night as the charity programme seemed to suddenly cut short Girls Aloud’s special tribute song, which included the late Sarah Harding.
The group had re-released their hit single Stand by You as a poignant nod to their friend. Introducing the unique video clip, Kimberly Walsh emotionally expressed: “This is Stand by You, Sarah’s version, the official Children in Need 2024 single, and it is dedicated tonight to our Sarah.”
She added with sincere sentiment: “We miss you, and we love you.”
However, after playing a short clip of the song, it soon cut back to the hosts in the studio – and fans weren’t happy about it.
Displeased audiences were quick to express their thoughts, with one individual taking to social media to post: “Didn’t play the whole song. Anyone know the reason? I guess so it’s not uploaded to YouTube and the socials donation free. #childreninneed,” as noted by the Mirror.
A second viewer expressed frustration, saying, “SO CHILDREN IN NEED DECIDED TO CUT OFF SARAHS VERSION OF I STAND BY YOU #ChildrenInNeed.”
Furthering the chorus of grievances, someone else commented: “That’s all I had been waiting for, really disappointed that they cut it so short. #childreninneed #bbcchildreninneed.”
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Another critic was forthright in their opinion: “#childreninneed should have played the full song totally disrespectful towards the late great Sarah.”
And yet another viewer remarked: “Well, stand by you girls aloud (Sarah’s version). The music video was cut short. Should have heard more of it #childreninneed.” (sic).
Fans were torn between frustration and joy during the Children in Need tribute, with online messages reflecting their emotions. One heartfelt tweet read: “#childreninneed beautiful version of I’ll stand by you from @GirlsAloud still miss Sarah so much! “.
In a touching close to the evening’s programme, the full version of ‘I’ll Stand by You’ by Girls Aloud played alongside a nostalgic montage of Children in Need moments.
An impressive line-up, including Ade Adepitan MBE, Mel Giedroyc, Rochelle Humes, Vernon Kay, Chris Ramsey, and youngster Lenny Rush, presented the three-hour fundraising spectacular on Friday night.
In recent weeks, a host of celebrities have been pulling out all the stops to fundraise for good causes, including Paddy McGuinness.
The TV star was visibly moved to tears today as he completed his monumental 300-mile charity bike ride from Wales to Scotland.
Crossing the finish line, an emotional Paddy shared: “Every morning when I woke up, everything was aching, and it was always dark and cold, but I’ve been saying it for the last few days: When you get on the bike, and you get on the road, and everyone comes out, it just spurs you on.
“Even though we’re filming stuff and putting things on social media; until you’re actually in that moment, I will never be able to get it across fully what it felt like.
“All the different sounds, all the cities, all the communities. Everyone came out and everyone were together for something. And all those faces, all the kids, all the nurseries, all the primary schools, all drawing pictures of Patch – none of them had a clue who I were – but it was just so beautiful to see and the streets were lined with people.
“Honestly it’s a moment in time I’ll take with me to my grave. I’ll never ever forget it. It’s been amazing.”
Children in Need is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
