Ghost star Sarah Harding blames '˜mental and physical exhaustion' on Blackpool meltdown

The former Girls Aloud singer blamed her troubles on being in constant pain due to a knee injury she sustained on Channel 4’s ski show The Jump in February.

It comes after the star stepped down halfway through a performance of Ghost the Musical at the Winter Gardens last week.

In a message on her Twitter page, the star said: “Since appearing in The Jump I have been in constant pain with a knee injury, and as anyone who has experienced chronic pain will tell you, it can take a serious toll on your both physically and emotionally.

“At the same time I have the pressure of performing daily, for the first time in my career, in musical theatre - and as a lot of people know I give the roll of Molly in Ghost the Musical my all in every performance.

“But it is the relentless media scrutiny, the social media trolling, and the sensationalised and at times fabricated stories in the press that hurt most.”

“The opportunity was a dream come true for me. I have the privilege of working with a group of incredibly talented and dedicated individuals in a wonderful production.

“So despite some people and even some publications seemingly having and agenda to hurt me or to make me quit, I remain committed to the production, the cast, the crew, the producers and, of course the amazing audiences around the UK who have been hugely supportive. Thank you all.”

The 34-year-old had only recently returned to the show after being diagnosed with a tract infection last month when she failed to return after the interval during a performance in Blackpool. The star had to be replaced by her understudy.