S Club 7 in talks to reunite and record new music after 20 years
THEY were the pop favourites of a generation and now S Club 7 are bringing it all back.
I can reveal the cheesy British group, who burst on to the scene with debut single Bring It All Back in 1999, are in talks to record their first new music in 20 years as a seven-piece group.
Band member Tina Barrett, who was one seventh of the group with Jon Lee, Rachel Stevens, Jo O'Meara, Hannah Spearitt, Bradley McIntosh and Paul Cattermole, confirmed their plan.
She says they have been inspired by Steps’ successful return to the charts earlier this month, soaring to No2 with their album What The Future Holds.
In an exclusive interview, Tina said: “We definitely want to do something new together.
“We’re all older now so we could do something that reflects how we are now — not such a teeny-bopper sound, something more credible.
“Looking at a band like Steps who are quite similar, they’ve done new music and they’ve done incredibly well. We’d be silly not to.
“Everyone really enjoyed the last reunion so this time around everyone’s more up for it.
“I’ve chatted to pretty much everyone and I think we’re all up for it. So it’s just about getting it in the diary. I’m pretty sure it will happen.”
Tina added: “The fact Giovanna Fletcher played Reach in I’m A Celeb, I think that was a sign. That was so cute.”
The band reunited for an appearance on Children In Need in 2014 then performed a successful 15th-anniversary tour in 2015, although there were no new tunes.
They are still busy individually, with Tina having just released her solo single Private Dance Instructor and Jo working on an album for next year.
Hannah has recently had her second child and Rachel has been performing at Proud Embankment in London, where she was snapped in an eye-catching dress on Tuesday night.
But when they do get back together, Tina insists it will not be awkward, despite the fact that Hannah and Paul split up after several months as a couple following their last tour.
Tina explained: “Obviously it’s life — you’re with someone and then you break up and some people still have to work with them.
“Sometimes it is hard but you do have to separate work from real life.
“Hannah and Paul are both very professional so it’s fine. I know Paul is up for it.”
Should they bring it all back?
YES says Howell Davies
IF there was ever news that could brighten up 2020 for me, it’s this.
S Club 7 were my favourite group throughout my childhood and their songs have stood the test of time – they are absolutely joyous.
It’s not just me though. The sales figures back it up. Every single they released went Top Five, making 11 consecutive hits. That’s a record only beaten by a handful of acts including The Beatles. Scoff at S Club 7 all you want but for my generation, they were huge. With the right team behind them, their comeback could be great.
NO says Simon Boyle
SOME things are worth enjoying again and again and again . . . the Godfather films, Oasis’s early albums, Sean Connery’s James Bond.
But other things from the past should never be revisited – nobody needs to rediscover the thrill of dial-up internet, and I don’t fancy any new music from S Club 7. Because trust me, pop pickers, the nostalgic notion of drunkenly wailing along to Reach at a student nightclub years ago is much more appealing than the present day reality would be. I’m desperate to see live music back on stage but the thought of this one makes me pine for more draconian restrictions . . . to save them from themselves.
Amir's £17m peace prezzie
THE term more money than sense couldn’t be better suited to former boxing champ Amir Khan, who has just spent £17million on a new holiday home in Dubai.
The pad boasts seven bedrooms, 15 bathrooms and communal access to the world’s largest man-made freshwater lagoon spanning 7km.
There is also a gym and spa as well as a movie theatre, which has massage seats and sound-proof walls.
He posted a snap of himself outside the new pad on Instagram, saying: “Just bought my family a holiday home in Dubai.”
The boxer was slammed for flaunting his wealth once again during the pandemic.
He had previously shown off his fleet of cars including a £300,000 Lamborghini and £350,000 Rolls-Royce and on another occasion a £100,000 Richard Mille 32 designer watch.
Twitter user Mick Herr said: “No need to share it on here for validation, Amir. That’s just feeding your ego. I’m sure your family are grateful, and will in time tell you so.”
Wasif Khan added: “Be humble in these times and think about those who are less privileged.”
Pals say Amir splashed the cash on the home for his long-suffering wife Faryal, who is tired of life in Bolton.
It comes just two months after cops were called to their six-bedroom home following reports of a man acting aggressively.
Be humble in these times and think about those who are less privileged.
Wasif Khan
A source said: “He and Faryal have been filming a reality TV show so it’s been a bit intense recently.
“Plus with lockdown, they’ve barely been out of Bolton. So Amir bought it to appease Faryal and keep her sweet.”
If only we all had a spare £17million to spend to keep our other halves happy.
bizbit
LANA Del Rey has got engaged to her boyfriend after they met on a dating app just a few months ago.
Her musician partner Clayton Johnson recently got down on one knee and she has since been seen wearing a band on her ring finger, having only confirmed their romance in August.
Clara on the ball
CLARA AMFO’s Strictly Come Dancing dream may be over, but she’s bringing the glitz of the ballroom to Top Of The Pops.
The Radio 1 DJ, who lost her place on the BBC1 Dance competition earlier this month, has returned to host the long-running music show’s two festive specials for a fourth year along with pal Fearne Cotton.
They will air on BBC1 on Christmas Day and on New Year’s Eve, with Joel Corry, Becky Hill, Wes Nelson, Clean Bandit, Mabel, Sigala and James Arthur among the big names performing.
Gary lures Leona
GARY Barlow announced last night that Leona Lewis will be supporting him on tour next year, but you don’t need to wait that long to see him in action.
The Take That frontman has performed an exclusive set especially for readers of The Sun, which you will be able to watch this Saturday on our website.
These photos gives a sneak peek of how Gary looks in the festive show, which features several of his and the band’s best-known tracks.
His own Music Played By Humans tour will kick off next November in Belfast, with tickets on sale now.
Gary said: “I’ve missed performing so much – I’m just really looking forward to getting out there and seeing everyone again.
“I’m excited to think about how the new songs will sound live.”
Tay's glum punch
NO wonder Taylor Swift's recent albums Folklore and Evermore have been so moody – miserable music is her shared passion with boyfriend Joe Alwyn.
Speaking to Zane Lowe on Apple Music, the US star said: “Joe and I love sad songs. We’ve always bonded over music. We just really love sad songs. What can I say?
“It was a surprise that we started writing together, but we have always bonded over music and had the same musical tastes.
"He’s always the person who is showing me songs by artists, then they become my favourite songs.”
Taylor hopes she can perform live with her collaborators such as HAIM when gigs eventually return.
Now she has revealed actor Joe’s musical talents on her latest album, she should get him up on stage, too.
Hopes for Glasto 2021 after Covid cash KO
I WAS gutted when Glastonbury was cancelled this summer and festival co-organiser Emily Eavis has admitted they are “a long way” from being able to say it will definitely return in 2021.
Emily, who hosts the festival on Worthy Farm in Somerset with her dad Michael, explained: “Obviously the vaccine news in recent weeks has increased our chances, but I think we’re still quite a long way from being able to say we’re confident that 2021 will go ahead.
“We’re doing everything we can at our end to plan and prepare, but there are still just so many unknowns and factors which are completely out of our control.
"What we definitely can’t afford to risk is getting too far into the process of next year only for it to be snatched away from us again.
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"We lost millions this year, and we can’t risk that happening again.”
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Taylor Swift, Sir Paul McCartney and Kendrick Lamar had been due to headline this year and Emily still hopes to see them perform there soon.
She added: “I really hope all three of those headliners will be here at the farm before too long.”
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