The band are reportedly going to perform together for the first time in three years on Strictly Come Dancing.

Following a four-year hiatus, Girls Aloud have finally confirmed their long-awaited comeback by posting a countdown on their website.

Cheryl Cole, Kimberley Walsh, Nicola Roberts, Nadine Coyle and Sarah Harding are said to be reuniting to coincide with their 10th anniversary.

A clock on their website, posted with the word "Ten" above it, is counting down to 19 October - apparently the day that they release their new single.

A source close to the chart-topping singers told the Daily Mirror: "The girls recorded tracks with their long-time collaborators Xenomania as early as May.

"Some of them recorded their vocals separately, so they didn't actually see each other that much during the process."

The group, formed on Popstars: The Rivals in 2002, followed up the cryptic homepage with the unveiling of an official Girls Aloud Twitter account.

Former X Factor judge Cole tweeted: "Today is a very good day to be a Girls Aloud Fan! #GirlsAloudAreBack"

The countdown follows reports that the five-piece will perform on stage together for the first time in three years on BBC1's Strictly Come Dancing.

During their heyday, the girl group topped the charts with The Promise, Sound of the Underground and Jump.

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