S Club News Archive 2006

What Next for Upper Street?

Despite being bigged up by the likes of Westlife, Upper Street's debut single 'The One' only just scraped into the Top 40.

Now, for all of this week MTV cameras will follow the band as they decide what to do next - keep plugging on or call it a day - and the footage will be shown in the final episode of Totally Boyband this Sunday.

The band's manager Jonathan Shalit famously said in a previous episode of the show that if the track didn't go Top 10 he might well part company with the boys.

Credit: MTV.co.uk

Posted: 1st November 2006


Westlife Back Boyband

Westlife have tipped boyband Upper Street to succeed as their make-or-break single hits the shops.

Upper Street have been formed on MTV's reality TV show, Totally Boyband, and consist of various members of old pop groups.

The band features Danny Wood of New Kids On The Block, Bradley McIntosh of S Club 7, Dane Bowers from Another Level and Jimmy Constable of 911 and they released their debut single 'The One' last Monday.

Critics have dismissed the group as a bad idea, but the boys have been backed by the members of Westlife - one of the biggest selling boybands of all time.

Nicky Byrne told MTV: "It's brilliant that you have all these bands coming back. If I'd been out of the business for 10 years I'd really miss it and I'd be dying to get back into it."

Mark Feehily added: "We know Bradley and Dane - they're really great guys."

Kian Egan said: "I'm really happy for Bradley. Ever since S Club ended he's been really keen to keep the music going. Out of everyone in his old band he was the one who seemed to really want it."

Credit: MTV.co.uk

Posted: 29th October 2006


S Club 7 to Reunite?

Chart-topping British pop act S Club 7 are set to reform, according to former member Paul Cattermole. Paul, who split from the band in 2001, has discussed the idea with his six former bandmates, and is hoping for a return to the limelight. He says, "I spoke to other members about it and we were all positive about the idea. It could be a possibility."

Credit: Anne & WENN

Posted: 10th October 2006


Rach's Oli Nice Bloke

Rachel Stevens has a new fella in her life - step forward Denise Van Outen's 25-year-old ex, Oli Trevena.

The 28-year-old former S Clubber has only been dating US-based Brit singer Oli-T for three weeks, but he's already smitten. A pal says: "Rachel wants to take things slowly but Oli already wants to take her to meet the family." The loved-up couple jetted back to the UK this week. We expect Ma and Pa Trevena will have tea waiting...

Credit: The Mirror

Posted: 10th October 2006


Welsh Rappers
Storm MTV Band's First Gig

MTV supergroup Upper Street's first live gig has been ruined by Welsh rappers Goldie Lookin' Chain, who reportedly stormed the stage and pelted fans with bottles and food. Upper Street - the product of music show Totally Boyband - are composed of defunct boyband stars Dane Bowers (Another Level), Danny Wood (New Kids on the Block), Bradley McIntosh (S Club 7) and Jimmy Constable (911). British newspaper The Sun reports Goldie Lookin' Chain were outraged when they heard the manufactured band were playing the same Bristol, England, venue as them and determined to ruin their night. A source says, "GLC weren't impressed - and it all kicked off."

Credit: WENN

Posted: 10th October 2006


New Message from Rachel in LA

Hey Everyone!

Well as some of you may have realised I'm back in LA! Yes, I've said it before... It's turning into a second home for me. I'm over to have some more meetings and will be here for a few weeks.

Talk about no rest for the wicked ...! This week has been crazy busy! Luckily I came over just before the Emmy Awards so it's been parties, meetings, lunches, dinners and of course ... A ticket to the show itself! So, not only have I been settling in and getting on to LA time, but I was also hunting around for the perfect Emmy's dress! I found a great shop called Blue and got a fantastic dress by a designer called 'Willow' and was leant some gorgeous diamonds by a designer called Suzanne Wilson. She was very sweet and invited me to her house where she has her showroom and I practically cleared her out! I was dripping in them ..... Every girl's dream!

The show itself was on Sunday. I left for the event at 2.30pm ... Make-up and dresses like mine were not made for 100 degrees heat!! The red carpet was crazy - just like you'd imagine, very glamorous and absolutely manic - I've never seen anything quite like it! I really enjoyed the show. There were some very funny moment and some emotional ones too - it doesn't take much for me! There were lots of Brits there too. I spotted Ricky Gervais and some of the guys from The Office in the audience. The US version of the show got and award. Richard Curtis also picked up a few for a film called "The Girl In The Café" which is meant to be brilliant - I must get that one out. And Helen Mirren, looking FAB, picked up an award too. I had a few proud patriotic moments! And as if that wasn't enough for one day, I ended up at dinner with the American Idol crew ... Mr Cowell, Randy and Ryan Seacrest! Did my feet hurt when I got in!!

When I'm not working, the sun's out, I'm catching up with old friends here and making new ones and of course, squeezing in a bit of shopping.

I hope you all had a great Summer. I really did - I went to Ibiza to meet some friends out there. We stayed in a fantastic villa up in the hills. It was so relaxing and we had a real laugh .... Apart from getting stung by a jellyfish ... Which was an experience in itself! We hired a boat for a day which was just amazing. We rode around all day listening to Ray La Montagne's new album "Trouble" which I'm just in love with. It's been the soundtrack to my Summer. We went over to Formentera where the sea is so beautiful it's like being in the Maldives - warm and crystal clear. So, I was dangling my feet over the back of the boat and missed seeing a jellyfish .... He came up behind me like jaws (cheeky little thing!). It stung like MAD! And what happened on after that stays on the boat .....! But I'm sure you can guess, you've all seen that episode of Friends, right? Anyway, we laughed none stop all week which is always good for the soul and today, with the memories still clear in my head ... We all booked again for next year!

Right, I have to go and get some dinner - very hungry! I'll be in touch soon.


From LA with love

Rachel xx


Credit: RachelStevensOfficial.com

Posted: 8th September 2006


Jon on TheatreRadio

This week on TheatreRadio, Tim McArthur is joined by Jon Lee, who has recently returned to the role of Marius in Les Miserables at the Queens Theatre. Jon is also an Ambassador of Kids Week 2006.

As well as playing some fantastic music, Tim will be giving away a pair of tickets to see Jon in Les Mis, so make sure you tune in!

Theatreradio.co.uk, Sunday 23rd July, 5pm BST. The show is repeated daily at 2pm BST and 10pm BST.

Credit: TheatreRadio.co.uk

Posted: 18th July 2006


Church: Rachel is Nothing Special

Welsh singer Charlotte Church has provoked another pop row after branding former S Club 7 beauty Rachel Stevens "nothing special".

The acid-tongued Voice of an Angel insists her British pop rival has lost her sense of direction after spending too long trying to break Hollywood as an aspiring actress.

Church says, "Is she a singer or an actress? There's nothing special really is there? "I am totally different to her and can never see myself networking the acting circuit in Los Angeles, I mean can you imagine?" Church has previously launched scathing tirades on girl band Girls Aloud and socialite-turned-singer Paris Hilton.

Credit: WENN

Posted: 13th June 2006


Skinner Denies Ode to Stevens

The Streets rapper Mike Skinner insists British pop star Rachel Stevens was not the inspiration behind lusty ode Fit But You Know It, ending two years of frenzied tabloid gossip.

The hip-hop outfit recorded the track in 2004 and sparked furious rumours the amorous lyrics were directed at the former S Club 7 singer when Skinner named her in a drunken off-the-record interrogation.

But the cheeky frontman is adamant he threw her name out as a red herring to escape the nosey reporter's questions, and has since apologised profusely.

He says: "A woman from (British tabloid) the Daily Star came up in a nightclub and asked, 'Who is Fit But You Know It about?' and I said 'I don't want to talk about it, I'm drunk.'

"But she wouldn't go away. So I said, 'Rachel Stevens, because I wouldn't be responsible for my actions if I was in the same room as her.'

"It's the kind of thing you say to your mates but you don't want the girl hearing it.

"It wasn't really about Rachel Stevens. So we emailed an apology."

Credit: TCM

Posted: 11th June 2006


Rach for the Star

Is there no stopping Christian Slater? It's another night, and another date as the Hollywood bedhopper swoops in for our sweet little Rachel Stevens.

Christian, 36, and Rachel, 28, were snapped leaving London's plush St Martins Lane hotel in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Since he separated from his wife Ryan earlier this year, after five years of marriage, Christian has earned quite a reputation for trawling the capital's best parties for our hottest girls. They include Girls Aloud babe Sarah Harding and model Jasmine Lennard.

Yesterday, though, Chris and Rach were insisting they are "just best friends" etc.

Credit: Daily Mirror

Posted: 1st June 2006


Message from Rachel

Hi everyone, it's been a while since I've written to you guys, so I just wanted to give you an update on what I've been up to back home.

It's great to be back but I think I got a little too used to the sunshine & it's not looking like summer like out my window right now!

LA seems like ages ago, yet I remember packing to go like it was yesterday. Talking of packing, you should have seen my house when I got home, it's amazing what three months of unpacking looks like, it took me days! On top of that I had the builders straight in, AGAIN..... my house will be finished eventually! (I hope!) It's been chaos, very exciting though because it's all the finishing touches now so I'm picking paint at the moment - my kitchen is covered in splodges where I've been sampling colours, been getting very artistic!

Since being home I've been doing a lot of catching up with my friends & family, it's been so lovely to see everyone & catch up on all the gossip & going over all my stories from LA!

As I'm writing this the heavens have just opened up, it's absolutely pouring. What's going on, we're nearly in June!! It's very British! Whilst I'm having a Brit moment, I just wanted to say that I'm really looking forward to the World Cup - there's definitely going to be a few football parties at my house, I hope you're all going to get behind the boys!

I've just started doing a round of shows again. I did my first one a few weeks ago in Hull. From Beverly Hills to Hull, from Rodeo Drive to the M6 - oh the glamour! Having said that Hull was fab! You really went for it - thanks! I do tend to spend most of my time on our wonderful motorways, where my highlight is popping into M&S which I have to say has been my saviour cos I'm on a health kick at the moment, so M&S is my friend!

I did a gig in Stoke the other night, it was a charity event for the Caudwell Ball where there was a dinner & auction. I went on at about 1am. That night alone raised 1.7 million pounds which was just fantastic. The money goes directly to children all over the UK who are under privileged, so I was very proud to be a part of it. I met a few of the people who benefit from the charity - hi guys! A special hi to Micheala and her family if you're reading this!

I performed 8 tracks, one of them being an accoustic of Nothing Good About This Goodbye which is definitely one of my favourites on my album, so I bought James my guitarist along on the fun bus! Oh we did amuse ourselves, the gig was in an old mansion house called Broughton Hall which apparently is haunted, so of course we went exploring & were being really mature scaring each other! Anyway I've got a few more lined up over the next couple of months. My next one was on Saturday night in Leicester, which was great and on Friday night I'm in Leeds - it's great being back on stage! And even though I joke about my trips up and down the motorway, it means I get to see a bit of the UK which I've not been to before.

I'm back into my gym routine, I don't know what's happened to my trainer,he's even more of a slave driver, he is seriously kicking my butt. I've also started pilates which is fantastic for posture and keeping a healthy body so with the combination of the two I've found muscles I didn't know I had & get in to positions I didn't know I was capable of! I do love it, it's very energising! I'm not into crash diets and worrying about weight, I think it's much healthier to keep yourself fit, eat well and everything in moderation and really enjoy looking after yourself.

Anyway I'm actually going to go to the gym now! I hope you all have a great summer & have lots of fun in the sun!


With love

Rachelxx


Credit: RachelStevensOfficial.com

Posted: 31st May 2006


Rachel Tops Jewish Dating Lists

The UK's first survey of Jewish men and women and their views on which celebrity Jews they would like to date has been published.

British pop star Rachel Stevens and American actor David Schwimmer top a list of Jews who other Jewish men and women most fancy going out on a date with.

Rachel Stevens beat off a host of other Jewish females including Caprice, Rachel Weisz and even The Apprentice's Alexa Tilley to be at the top of most Jewish men's lists.

The survey conducted by UK-based Jewish dating service, SomeoneJewish.com, on the streets of popular Jewish areas saw a random selection of Jewish people give answers. A total of 100 men and 100 women were questioned.

"We thought it would be interesting to see which celebrity Jews other Jews would like to date. For years, Rachel Stevens has been at the top of many most eligible lists, so we can confirm that she is still there with members of her own community", said Eamonn Ozerovitch, co-founder of SomeoneJewish.com.

Top 10 Jewish women:

  1. Rachel Stevens
  2. Caprice Bourret (model/actress)
  3. Rachel Weisz (actress)
  4. Maureen Lipman (actress)
  5. Dani Behr (TV)
  6. Alexa Tilley (TV)
  7. Sophie Solomon (music)
  8. Gwyneth Paltrow (actress)
  9. Amy Winehouse (music)
  10. Lisa Loeb (music)

Credit: Something Jewish

Posted: 16th May 2006


Rachel's New Man

Rachel Stevens and the new man in her life enjoyed a long, lingering kiss during a recent romantic holiday in Barbados.

The former S Club star seemed smitten with her hunky bloke as they relaxed on the beach outside their small luxury hotel on the Caribbean island.

Rachel, 28, sat on his knee on a beach chair after sunbathing alone for nearly an hour. Then they moved to the sun loungers where things hotted up a few degrees more.

One fellow holidaymaker said: "They looked very much in love. Things were getting pretty hot and steamy. They seemed totally oblivious to everyone around them."

Rachel's spokesman refused to reveal any details about Rachel's new love but added: "He isn't in showbiz. It's quite early days but they'll probably see each other again soon."

Rachel split from ex-boyfriend Gavin Dein, the son of multimillionaire Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein, last year.

Credit: Daily Record

Posted: 4th May 2006


Jo Quits Singing

Jo O'Meara has decided to leave her record company, Sanctuary Records, as she was no longer happy with them, and was unhappy in what she was doing. This means she will no longer be releasing any more singles or albums. We cannot go into details about what has been going on, but basically Jo has been let down by a LOT of people, whom she put the trust of her career into.

For now Jo is going to take some time out and work out what she wants to do next. She is happy doing that right now - so at the end of the day, that is all that matters. Jo realises that she will upset a lot of people by quitting, but she appreciates ALL the support she has received from every single one of you over the years.

Credit: Totally Jo & Jo O'Meara Centre

Posted: 27th April 2006


Message from Rachel in LA

Hello everyone!!

Just wanted to send you a little message to say hi and to give you all an update on what I've been up to here in LA.

I can't believe I've been here nearly 6 weeks already, it's absolutely flown by!

I've had a few meetings which have gone really well. One of my meetings the other day was on the 15th floor, of course it had to be right at the top! Anyway at least I got a good work out and yes I'm still working on my lift phobia!! I've met some very interesting people, once I've actually found where I'm going, that is...! The roads over here were very confusing at first and me and maps don't really go well together. A few days of forgetting that they drive on the other side of the road, and finally learning that you can turn right on a red light, after being hooted at and frustrating lots of drivers along the way wasn't great, but I've got it down now!

Been getting to know all the team at William Morris (WMA), who have been taking very good care of me, showing me the ropes. A couple of weeks ago I saw Prince - sounds so surreal even writing that! WMA represent him and he was doing a small intimate gig (at his house!) of his new material, which is fantastic! It's very much got his stamp on it, some of it had a real soulful lounge feel, with amazing guitar solos! The man is a genius. His house is very cool too, lots of purple everywhere, just huge, it's decorated beautifully so I got a few tips for my place... Oh, I particularly loved the purple padded lift, not that I could get in it but of course every house needs one of those!

After we heard the album he came out and played, introducing an artist who is his protégé, just fab! She had so much energy and such an incredible voice and the combination of Prince on the guitar and the band, with her soulful voice and just being that close to someone who I've grown up listening to and who I'm a really big fan of was very special ... only in America! I really wanted him to do a rendition of "Little Red Corvette"!

I also went to the Grammys... well I couldn't be at the Brits so it was great to see how they do it on the other side of the pond! They really know how to put on a show over here. My favourite performance was Kanye West and Jamie Foxx. I must have heard that song thousands of times but I don't seem to get bored of it. It was also great to see lots of Brits there flying the flag - Paul McCartney and Coldplay.

Actually I went to see Coldplay a couple of weeks ago. I'd never seen them live and they really were fantastic! They played at the Forum, which is a big Arena over here. I had a good sing song and got my lighter out a couple of times! It made me feel like I was at home! They played all the favourites and an old Johnny Cash song, which was very emotional and then at the end they hit us with Fix You, which can always make me cry! It was a perfect song to end with.

This weekend was Oscar weekend, which was very exciting. Fabulous dresses!

Anyway I have to go now but I hope you're all well and thanks for all your ongoing support, I will keep you posted.


Love from LaLa land,

Rachel xxxxxx


Credit: RachelStevensOfficial.com

Posted: 11th March 2006


I Fancied Just the One of S...

And it was Hannah - not Jo, says Chris

Hollyoaks hunk Chris Fountain may be making sweet music with Jo O'Meara on Just the Two of Us - but it's her former bandmate Hannah Spearritt that he really fancies.

The 18-year-old heartthrob has already been linked with singing partner Jo, 26, because of their obvious chemistry. But the Bradford-born blond claims he's not dating Jo and it's actually Hannah he has his eye on.

He said: "I was a big fan of S Club. I grew up with them, they were legends to me. But I didn't fancy Jo or even Rachel Stevens.

"To be honest I fancied Hannah. I told Jo and she's going to try and arrange a meeting. But Hannah is still going out with Paul Cattermole who was also in the band so I don't know what is going to happen.

"Jo and I are both single. We're not dating. It's complete nonsense.We get on well and have a laugh and have been out one night for a bit of a drink."

Chris and Jo were one of eight partnerships between celebs and professional singers in the new BBC One show hosted by husband and wife duo Vernon Kay and Tess Daly.

It kicked off on Thursday and over eight nights - Thursday to Sunday for the next fortnight - the couples will duet in a variety of styles, including country and western, swing, rock ballad, pop and soul.

The judges - Lulu, Radio 1's Trevor Nelson, former drummer of The Police Stewart Copeland and vocal coach CeCe Sammy - then mark their performances before the public vote.

On the opening show Chris and Jo looked like pop stars but their nerves got the better of them while singing Extreme's hit More Than Words with the backing of only two acoustic guitars.

Chris said: "We were both nervous during the show. While the other acts had the live backing band we only had guitars, so every note could be heard.

"It's been difficult because I've been working in Liverpool on Hollyoaks so Jo, who lives in London, and I haven't had as much rehearsal time as the others."

Just The Two Of Us is on BBC1 at 8 pm tonight.

Credit: Daily Record

Posted: 26th February 2006


It's lust the two of us

Telly singing duo Jo O'Meara and Chris Fountain are a real life double act - they're having a secret affair.

The lovers - she's 26 and he's 18 - are competing for best songbirds in the new BBC1 musical reality show Just The Two Of Us. At a rehearsal on Saturday they were said to be "all over each other".

A show insider told TV Biz: "They have certainly been getting close. While filming in Liverpool they had a romantic night out. During the pilot show they held hands and looked very happy. It really is a case of Lust The Two Of Us."

Former S Club singer Jo is hoping the show will lift her career after her solo album flopped and she was forced to put her home up for sale.

She was supposed to be taking Hollyoaks actor Chris under her wing - and giving him singing lessons.

In the Channel 4 soap he plays troubled teen Justin Burton, who is having an affair with his married teacher Becca.

The couple's chemistry is bound to boost their chances when they compete live against other pairs.

The show, hosted by husband and wife team Tess Daly and Vernon Kay, kicks off on Thursday.

The source added: "There's nothing to stop them being together - they are both single. Everyone on set thinks it's very cute."

Credit: The Sun

Posted: 21st February 2006


Rachel's Looking
Tantastic in L.A. Sun

Sexy former S Club 7 star Rachel Stevens looks like a proper California Girl strolling by her hotel pool in the Los Angeles sunshine.

The singer turned actress, who is in Hollywood for movie auditions, sported aviator shades, bikini top and long flowing black skirt as she soaked up the Sunset Strip rays with a mystery man before the pair retreated to her room.

Rachel, 27, has been single since splitting from boyfriend Gavin Dein at the end of last year.

Credit: Daily Mirror

Posted: 18th February 2006


Rach for the Stars

Rachel Stevens may have wished Sweet Dreams to her LA Ex but Californian life seems to be suiting her down to the ground at the moment.

The pint-sized singer is in the US for auditions and, judging by her grin, is loving every minute of it.

Rachel, 27, met friends at LA eatery Toast on Sunday. "She was beaming," says our state-side spy. "When asked if she's working on a film, she just smiled and said: 'Enjoy your day.'" Hmm, got something to tell us, love...?

Credit: Daily Mirror

Posted: 9th February 2006


Jon Lee's Marathon Challenge

Jon is currently in training for the London Marathon, to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Sponsor Jon's charity marathon run

Marie Curie Cancer Care provides high quality nursing totally free, to give terminally ill people the choice of dying at home supported by their families.

"I've given up drinking. I've been training every day since New Year's Day," says Jon. "I'm really enjoying it. The first week was a nightmare but I'm getting into the swing of things I've changed my diet and I feel great. I've stopped smoking as well, which is good."

"I'm going hammer and tongs at the moment," he laughs. "But I'll be straight in the pub afterwards, no worries."

To sponsor Jon's charity marathon run visit:
justgiving.com/jonlee

Posted: 5th February 2006


Strictly Come Singing

Eighties pop stars Rick Astley and Martin Fry will join the line-up of BBC1's new celebrity talent show.

Just the Two of Us will pair up professional singers with famous faces such as GMTV newsreader Penny Smith and her BBC rival Fiona Bruce.

The full line-up of stars for the show dubbed Strictly Come Singing was leaked to the Mirror yesterday.

Rick Astley, whose biggest hit was Never Gonna Give You Up, does not yet know who he will duet with.

ABC singer Martin Fry will appear with Gaby Roslin, who recently starred in Chicago. Fiona Bruce is paired with soul star Alexander O'Neal, while Nicky Campbell will sing with Beverley Knight. The others have yet to be told who their partner will be.

Others singers in the lineup are: disco diva Jocelyn Brown, jazz singer Curtis Stigers, ex-S Club's Jo O'Meara, ex-Atomic Kitten Natasha Hamilton, Hollyoaks hunk Chris Fountain, ex-Cutting It actress Sian Reeves, actor Mark Moraghan and presenter Matt Allwright.

An insider said: "Everyone's getting nervous as they wait to find out who they are singing with." Show hosts are Tess Daly and Vernon Kaye. It starts on February 23.

Credit: Daily Mirror

Posted: 4th February 2006


Rachel Boost

Rachel Stevens is hoping to revive her flagging career with the help of James Blunt. The former S Club babe has turned to Blunt - one of the biggest-selling artists of 2005 - for inspiration after a string of disappointing record sales.

An industry insider said: "Her recent material just hasn't sold. In this climate, an artist needs to be consistently in the top ten to be financially viable."

Sexy Rachel, 27, went solo two years ago. Her debut single Sweet Dreams My LA Ex got to No 2 in the singles charts. But things started to go wrong last year when Negotiate With Love and So Good only managed to scrape in at No10. There was worse to come when her album Come And Get It flopped in October.

A spokesperson said: "Rachel is still very much a Polydor artist. "There is nothing definite but she may even release another single from her album."

Credit: The People

Posted: 8th January 2006


No Go for Jo

Jo O'Meara's attempts to Reach For The Stars since S Club 7 split have struggled to take off.

Playing new songs at a private party in a former Pizza Express restaurant, none of the guests had a clue who she was - and no one danced.

Eventually she gave up trying to re-invent herself and belted out some of the old numbers.

An insider at the venue in Kensington, West London, said: "It was so sad. Poor Jo had been giving it her all singing her new songs, but everyone just ignored her. No one knew who she was, until she finally gave up and sang a couple of S Club 7 hits."

Don't Stop Movin', Jo, and don't give up either...

Credit: Daily Mirror

Posted: 3rd January 2006


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