Nadine Coyle's Girls Aloud bandmates congratulate her on her pregnancy news

Nadine Coyle

The 28-year-old star announced she is expecting her first child through social networking site Instagram on Thursday, and her close pals Kimberley Walsh, Nicola Roberts and Sarah Harding have now followed in Cheryl Cole's footsteps by expressing their delight at the news.

Flame-haired Nicola, 27, tweeted: "@NadineCoyleNow Congratulations on your lovely news x (sic)"
Former 'Strictly Come Dancing' star Kimberley, 31, then added: "@NadineCoyleNow congrats on your exciting news!"

Finally, blonde beauty Sarah, 31, congratulated Nadine on being the first member of the chart-topping 'The Promise' girl group to get pregnant.

She tweeted: "@nadinecoylenow Congrats babe!!! 1 down...4 left to go lol!! X (sic)"

'Call My Name' hitmaker Cheryl - who is currently in the US - was the first of Nadine's Girls Aloud bandmates to send her well wishes on Thursday afternoon.

She wrote: "I just woke up to the news that there is to be a baby aloud!! This is so crazy. But amazing!!
"Congratulations @nadinecoylenow. Can't believe you're going to be a mummy!!!!!!!!!!! ❤❤❤ (sic)."

Nadine announced her pregnancy by posting a picture of herself on Instagram with "I'm having a baby. Xx" written on it.

The Irish beauty has yet to confirm the identity of the baby's father, but it is thought she recently reconciled with ex-fiancée, NFL football player Jason Bell.

Nadine shot to fame as a member of Girls Aloud in 2002 and the popular girl group enjoyed a string of hits before announcing they would disband following a 10-year anniversary tour earlier this year.