Girls Aloud to record 'older' album

Girls Aloud have revealed that they are pursuing an "older" sound on their upcoming fourth studio album.

The pop five-piece will work exclusively with long-term collaborators Brian Higgins and Xenomania - the production team behind 14 of their 15 hit singles - on the follow-up to 2005's Chemistry LP.

Speaking to DS backstage at T4 on the Beach, Kimberley Walsh said of the album: "It should be out before Christmas. I'm not sure what the date is - it depends what time it gets finished. We're still working on it at the minute.

"It's kind of like it's still Girls Aloud, but obviously progressed. We're obviously getting older and we always, you know, like to try and push things forward. It's Girls Aloud, but older."

Bandmate Nicola Roberts added: "We're really excited to get back in (the studio) writing and singing and everything. It's really good."