Cleavage-enhancing latex bras, blood-red eye make-up and bull riding: Behind-the-scenes at Sarah Harding's first solo video shoot (and it's SERIOUSLY wild)
- Former Girls Aloud star releases debut solo track Threads on August 7
- The 33-year-old pop star is now channeling her 'inner rock chick'
- Sarah hasn't yet played the single to her ex band mates
She's best known as one fifth of Britain's biggest girl groups but Sarah Harding is now embarking on chart domination on her own.
After Girls Aloud announced they were going their separate ways in April 2013, the 33-year-old turned her attention to acting, modelling and a stint on BBC reality TV show Tumble. Now the former party animal is returning to her number one 'passion': music.
FEMAIL has been given exclusive access to Sarah's first solo video shoot for her debut track, Threads. She co-wrote the song with Jules and Ben Cullum, who have penned hits for Rizzle Kicks and Jamie Cullum.
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FEMAIL goes behind-the-scenes on the video shoot for Sarah Harding's debut solo single Thread, which is released on August 7
Celebrity make-up artist Gary Cockerill paints dramatic blood-red coloured eye-shadow onto Sarah's eyes
'Threads is about being betrayed by people you thought you could trust,' Sarah revealed.
While she's remaining tight-lipped on who in particular the song refers to, she's yet to play it to her former band mates Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, Kimberley Walsh, Nicola Roberts or Nadine Coyle.
'They may have seen it on Vevo,' she added.
Shot in a London warehouse, Sarah is assisted by her 'glam squad', which includes celebrity make-up artist Gary Cockerill, and video director Jon White.
'Sarah wanted to reintroduce herself as an artist,' Jon said.
'I wanted to take her old persona - that pop glamour vibe - and twist that on its head. It's going more edgy, more fashion and more editorial.'
The pop star is seen bursting into hysterics as she mounts a rodeo bull wearing a corset top and leather cut-out trousers
Sarah has decided to show her 'inner rock chick' and dons a dominatrix-inspired latex black bra, leather stockings and long black gloves
Banish thoughts of Sarah looking wistfully at the camera in a floaty summer dress - she's back and it's clear she means business.
The singer, who lives in Buckinghamshire with her partner Jason and their menagerie of pets, shows off Rihanna-inspired attitude in the arty film, which sees her ride a bull, don latex outfits and have her eyes painted with blood-red coloured eye shadow.
'Oh my goodness, the bull! I feel like I've just played a game of polo,' she said, bursting into a fit of giggles.
It's clear she wants to make an impact but how does it feel going out alone?
'It feels really exciting... but still a little scary,' she said.
'I have had to step out of my comfort zone as I am obviously on my own and there’s no one for to me to bounce off of.
'But I’m excited and really look forward to what’s to come.'
The former Girls Aloud singer has stepped out of the pop bubble and into a more edgier, rocky sound
Sarah lets rip as she tears her way through a paper wall in a red high-necked dress with intricate cut-out detailing around the shoulder area
The songstress can be seen 'doing a Miley Cyrus' in her new video as she licks a silver disco ball
Sarah appears to be having a whale of a time on the shoot and admits going out on her own is 'exciting but scary'
Described as 'hard working' by make-up artist Gary, he revealed Sarah wanted to change up her look 'six or seven' times for the video.
'There's so much going on,' he said. 'It's really quite stylised and we have so many different outfits and hair changes.'
In one scene, Sarah can be seen wearing a dominatrix-style outfit that includes a cleavage-enhancing bra, latex high-waisted pants, leather stockings and long gloves.
Her peroxide-blonde hair is pulled back into a tight ponytail while her eyes are heavily lined with black kohl.
In another clip, she can be seen ripping through a large pink paper wall while wearing a high-necked red dress with intricate cut-out detailing around the shoulders.
Her mane is pulled back into a low, loose bun while blood-red coloured eye shadow is slicked across her eyes.
The bold star also 'does a Miley Cyrus' and licks a silver disco ball and is seen laughing hysterically as she mounts a rodeo bull.
Sarah's 'glam squad' including celebrity make-up artist Gary Cockerill, centre, go over the different looks for the shoot
Sarah changed up her look 'six or seven times' during the video shoot and was keen to experiment with different make-up
Taking time out from filming, 'hard working' Sarah has a laugh with her team and poses for photographs
Sarah let out her energetic side by mounting a rodeo bull and said it felt like 'playing a game of polo'
The former party girl turns and winks at the camera as her hairdresser is busy transforming her look
Is Sarah, who was nicknamed 'Hardcore Harding' by her band mates because of her wild ways, up to her old party girl tricks?
'Only for the video!' she insisted.
'I’m expressing myself - I love to get dressed up and performing.'
And wearing a latex bra and pants isn't as glamorous as it may seem. She added: 'They weren’t as comfortable as they looked that’s for sure.'
Sarah quit her party lifestyle four years ago after spending time in rehab for alcohol and sleeping pill addiction.
Rather than hitting the dance floor or drinking a booze to let her hair down, she's now found a more homely hobby.
'I cook! I find being in my kitchen with my music playing really relaxing,' she said.
Sarah was keen to 'reintroduce herself as an artist' and looks a world away from her girl band days
The crew get to work building a variety of different sets for the Threads video shoot that includes a rodeo bull
Sarah, who describes herself as a 'creative person' talks through her looks with her 'glam squad' team
Describing herself as a 'creative person', Sarah revealed why she decided to move her sound away from the pop melodies and slow-paced love songs Girls Aloud became known for.
'I’ve got such an eclectic taste – my music collection is endless, I love all genres of music,' she said.
'It is nice to be able to channel my own energy and ideas into everything.'
After spending over ten years in the music industry, Sarah was invited onto The Voice Ireland to act as a mentor in 2014.
She doesn't rule out a similar role - perhaps joining Cheryl Fernandez-Versini on The X Factor judging panel - in the future.
'I would absolutely love to do something like that again,' she said.
'I’ve been there and I know exactly how it feels and how nerve wracking it can be at times.
'To be able to offer my advice to somebody just starting out their journey in music world would be great.'
However her solo career is her main and only focus at the moment: 'Music has always been my main focus, it’s my passion.
'There’s no better feeling then being in the studio throwing around ideas and writing new songs.
'It’s great to get your feelings down on paper.'
Sarah Harding's debut single 'Threads' is released on 7th August and available to pre-order now on her website and through iTunes.
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