Landing the lead role in West End musical Ghost should have marked a momentous comeback for Sarah – but after her performance was slammed, she was temporarily forced to pull out citing a "respiratory tract infection."
After audience members took to social media to say Sarah was "screeching like a banshee" and "cannot act", pals say the former Girls Aloud singer, 34, has reached an all-time low as her confidence takes yet another hit.
Now pals say Cheryl, 33 – who suffered the humiliation of being sacked from the US X Factor in 2011, has contacted Sarah.
A source says: "If anyone knows how to cope after a series of knockbacks, it's Cheryl. When she heard how Sarah has been savaged by critics, she instantly gave her some words of wisdom."
"Cheryl reminded Sarah that she'll have plenty more chances to prove everyone wrong."
For the full story, check out this week’s Closer magazine.
More Sarah Harding news:
Sarah Harding looks unrecognisable during her interview with This Morning
Sarah Harding insists Cheryl Fernandez-Versini will 'bounce back from divorce'