It’s hard to believe it’s been almost 20 years since Nadine Coyle burst on to the music scene as one fifth of Girls Aloud, becoming a household name at the age of just 17. The now 36-year-old is in a reflective mood when we catch up, with much of our chat touching on growing up in Northern Ireland.
“I grew up feeling like dreams can come true and I’m living proof that they actually can,” she tells us. “I want other people to feel that, especially coming from a small town. I want to help people feel as confident as I did growing up.”
Understandably, questions about Nadine’s former Girls Aloud bandmate Sarah Harding – who tragically passed away from breast cancer at the age of 39 in September – are off the table, but it’s clear her friend is on her mind as she touches on the “heaviness” she has felt in 2021.
“I feel like the last couple of years have been so heavy and there’s been so much going on. I hope we get the positivity back and feel inspired again.
“I just hope for the heaviness to go and for us to come out the other side and feel happier,” says Nadine, who shares seven-year-old daughter Anaíya with her American football player ex, Jason Bell.
As part of her mission to inspire others, Nadine has been helping the National Lottery launch their new Build Dreams Create Change installations across Northern Ireland, and she couldn’t be more excited about it.
Here, the star reflects on her time on I’m A Celebrity..., her pinch-me moments, and why you should always dream big...
Hi, Nadine! It must be so special to be launching this campaign in your home country of Northern Ireland?
This story is from the November 29, 2021 edition of OK! UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 29, 2021 edition of OK! UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
CALL OF THE WILD
Broaden your horizons with a blend of safari and serenity in spectacular Kenya
HOW TO COPE WITH HAY FEVER
With sneezing season already in full swing and millions suffering worse than ever, we've got expert advice that's not to be sniffed at
'Touring is like a travelling circus'
Singer-songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae shares the joy of taking her family on the road and explains how the heartbreak of losing her first husband has since helped her to make the most of life
People feel as if I'm one of their family members. It's such a great feeling of love'
Children's television icon Baroness Floella Benjamin on being awarded a BAFTA Fellowship, triumphing over racism, and empowering the younger generation to embrace diversity
I'm on cloud nine - laughter is the best medicine'
After opening up about a turbulent time in her marriage, Francine Lewis turned it into a positive declaring how it's made her happier than ever
SOME ENCHANTED EVENING
It was a magical night at the Met Gala as the stars lined up in spectacular fashion
'Mum and Dad got me through the hardest time'
Chloe Madeley on her split from husband James Haskell, their positive co-parenting plan and why she's eternally grateful to Richard and Judy
HARRY AND MEGHAN VISIT NIGERIA
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex reunite following Harry's trip to the UK as they receive a warm welcome from crowds in Nigeria
'I went into survival mode-I was breaking down'
Actress Helen Flanagan opens up about tackling her mental health and putting the kids first
THE ROYAL WEEK
King Charles received a warm welcome back to work and the Duchess of Edinburgh made a heartfelt trip to Ukraine