Nadine Coyle nearly missed out on her massive career with Girls Aloud – after she nearly replaced Kym Marsh in Hear’Say.
The Derry singer was being pushed into the role by Louis Walsh, who wanted to help her out after she was kicked out of Six for lying about her age.
The X Factor judge tried to convince the other four members of Hear’Say – who were still reeling from Kim’s exit in 2002 after falling out with part of the band – to take her on.
Hear’Say: Nadine could have taken over from Kim
But ex-Hear’Say star Noel Sullivan told Goss.ie she was “lucky” not to be bought into the group – as they split 10 months later.
He said: “I remember we played a Childline concert in Dublin and Kym had just left the band.
“Louis came into our dressing room and introduced us to Nadine Coyle. This was before Girls Aloud so we didn’t really know who she was.
Lucky: Noel feels that Nadine survived by getting out
“I think he was hoping to get her in as Kim’s replacement at the time. Luckily for her it didn’t happen.”
Eventually Nadine went on to become a member of one of the world’s biggest girl groups – and is now touring with Michael Flatley’s new show.
And in the past, Louis hasn’t been shy of telling of his love for Nadine – insisting she was the best singer in the group.
Noel is starring in the Bord Gais Energy Theatre’s musical Rock of Ages from September 15.
