Cheryl Cole has claimed that Girls Aloud decided to take a break because they ‘needed space as humans.’

The 28-year-old, who last night performed comeback single, ‘Call My Name,’ on The Voice, told The Observer that the girl-band’s current three-year hiatus was necessary for them to develop their own individual personalities:

"Because we got together so young, we needed to grow as young women. We were kind of one personality towards the end. We needed some space as humans."

But the ‘Fight For This Love’ star, who confirmed that the group are planning ‘something special’ for their 10th anniversary tour later this year, went onto admit that she initially found it hard to go alone, adding:

"I missed everything about them – even the drama of five girls trying to get ready for a live performance." 

The former X-Factor judge, who this week unveiled the track-listing and artwork for her third album, ‘A Million Lights,’ also revealed how she’s carried over the notion of sisterhood into her solo career:

“Up until recently, every single person on my team was female. I was surrounded by females, and I found it very empowering. It's only us who know how each other feels. Men don't understand it."