Showing posts with label The Big Reunion. Show all posts

Friday, 27 December 2013

Eternal reunite for new series of the Big Reunion... without Louise Redknapp

'It's like going through a divorce': Eternal reunite for new series of the Big Reunion... without Louise Redknapp

PUBLISHED: 08:50, 27 December 2013 | UPDATED: 12:55, 27 December 2013

Hit series The Big Reunion exploded onto TV screens at the beginning of this year, winning critical acclaim and sparking a tour that sold out some of the biggest venues in the country.

Now it's set to return early next year with a brand new set of '90s pop stars all hoping to relive the dream and dominate the musical charts once again.

The Big Reunion 2014 features exclusive and explosive accounts from former pop heroes, with revelations about drugs, fights and shattered dreams all coming into play.

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Putting the past behind them: Eternal (L-R) Vernie Bennett, Easther Bennett and Kéllé Bryan in the '90s

Eternal are reuniting for this year's gripping show, although Louise Redknapp will not be a part of it, Easther Bennett, Vernette Bennett and Kéllé Bryan have all signed up.

In August, a spokesperson for Louise told MailOnline that while she hasn't ruled out reuniting with her bandmates at some point, it won't be on the Big Reunion.

The representative said: 'Louise has not ruled out doing something with Eternal and would love the chance to do something with the girls at some point. She has been overwhelmed at the out-pour from fans wanting to see them perform again.

It's a no: Former Eternal member Louise Redknapp won't be joining this series of the hit ITV show

As a four-piece: No doubt Louise will be missed from the band's new line-up

'However, when the time is right she would want it to be something a bit more natural and not for the purpose of a TV show so has ruled out taking part in the Big Reunion.'

And Easther, who was married to Boyzone's Shane Lynch for two years, told ITV: 'It's like going through a divorce. Sometimes you speak to your partners, sometimes you don't.'

Throughout the new series, Eternal try to work out the issues that caused the group to be dogged by rumours of in-house spats.

Despite being the first girl group to have an album sell over one million copies in the UK, Vernette admits that she and Kelli had some problems back in the day.

She said: 'We have a band member who doesn't want to be there. What do you do with that?'

Kelli added: 'We never communicated. It festered into something very ugly.'

Another band set to join the latest series are A1, who despite selling out arenas around the world and winning Best British Newcomer at the BRIT awards, struggled to cope.

As they were: Pop band A1 are giving things another go

They couldn't come to terms with a tragic accident in which four fans were fatally crushed at a signing which eventually caused the band to split in 2002.

Ben Adams, Christian Ingebrigtsen and Mark Read now make up the band and Christian admits things got pretty bad. 'I really wanted to jump from that balcony,' he said. 'I'd hit rock bottom.'

Damage, too, are joining the show, with Jade Jones, Andrez Harriott, Rahsaan J Bromfield, Noel Simpson and Coree Richards all getting in on the action.

Fresh start: Damage are putting past spats behind them as they try and take over the music scene once again

Jade Jones, fiancé of ex-Spice Girl Emma Bunton, confesses: 'Lots of things were swept under the carpet.'

And bandmate Andrez Harriott explains the bands downfall, 'Drugs came in, that’s when it went wrong.'

Rahsaan J Bromfield admits he never wanted to see his school friends again.

'You could see the punches being thrown left right and centre. (I said to the band) Don’t call me I don’t want anything to do with you again.'

Jackson family royalty, 3T, are also reforming with original members, Taj, TJ and Tayll Jackson. Taj said: 'We have to work double hard to prove that we're talented in our own right.'

Just the three of us: Jackson boys 3T will star on the show

Early Noughties band Girl Thing, who had just one top 10 hit, have also signed up and they admit they were promised a career as big as the Spice Girls.

But after having the Eiffel Tower hired out for their launch as part of a million pound promo-campaign, Simon Cowell has since said the band was his biggest mistake.

Their third single Pure and Simple was taken from them and given to Hear’Say, going on to be the fastest selling single in the UK.

Girl Power: Pop band Girl Thing were said to be Simon Cowell's biggest mistake

The band claim to have co-written it and say that their backing vocals are still on the record.

Jodi Albert, wife of Westlife star Kian Egan, said: 'This reunion for Girl Thing could be wonderful or it could be a nightmare.'

Finally, in a twist, a brand new super-group will be formed from solo artists such as Gareth Gates, Adam Rickitt and Kavana, along with Another Level’s Dane Bowers and Blazin’ Squad’s Kenzie.

For some, it will be their first experience of being in a pop band, for others it’s an opportunity to try a completely different style of pop music.

Not tyred of showbiz: Adam Rickitt is joining new superband 5th Story

Check him out: Gareth Gates is also joining the new band - which is a twist on the show

The band will be called 5th Story and revelations include Adam Rickitt's candid memories of his depression and bulimia, saying: 'I used to make myself sick up to 20 times a day.'

Gareth Gates talks about his relationship with Jordan and reveals his biggest regret. 'This picture was painted of this angelic choir boy, I don't quite live up to that.'

Both Gareth and Dane have dated Katie Price but it doesn't seem to have got in the way of their friendship. Gareth is starring in the new series of Dancing On Ice and Dane tweeted him luck.

On Friday, Dane wrote: 'Also gotta wish the lad @Gareth_Gates good luck on Dancing on Ice…don’t do yourself in please!!!'

MailOnline has contacted a spokesperson for Louise Redknapp for further comment.

Treasure chest: Kavana is hoping to make his fans feel good with his comeback

He's back! Kenzie will hope to set the stage a-blaze once again

Thursday, 14 March 2013

Blue crash Big Reunion with fighting talk

'It's boyband eat boyband': Blue crash Big Reunion with fighting talk... as they are set to bruise some 90s pop egos

By FAY STRANG

PUBLISHED: 22:00, 14 March 2013 | UPDATED: 22:42, 14 March 2013

Just when they all thought they were nearing the end of the road towards the most important performance of their lives, things get turned upside down.

The six bands taking part in The Big Reunion were knocked for six when they discovered that boy band Blue would be joining them on stage.

But while they were met by an extremely frosty atmosphere from their pop peers the boys were more than ready for battle.

The boys are back: Blue make a surprise arrival on The Big Reunion on Thursday night's show

Not intimidated by the situation Duncan James said: ‘It’s dog eat dog, boyband eat boyband.'

While being perhaps a bit more diplomatic Simon Webbe mused: ‘Obviously a new band being introduced into the bill will cause disruption.'

As the group entered the room for the first time, Lee was surprised that he was met with a frosty reception.

Private time: Blue request that they get the chance to practise without all the other bands watching them

But it seems apart from bruising a few egos, there are more sensitive issues to be dealt with first as Lee Ryan is reunited with his former fiancée Liz McClarnon from Atomic Kitten for the first time.

Trying to go in for a hug, he finds that Liz is trying to avoid him, slightly confused Lee said: 'She just went really weird with me. She was just edging away.

He jokingly added: 'I don’t know why that is the case, unless she still has feelings for me.’

Not happy: Edele Lynch is not pleased that the boys have just joined the show

Frosty: The girls from B*Witched can't hide their unhappiness at Blue's arrival

It's not just Liz who has an issue with Blue, in particular it seems that Edele from B*Witched is not happy with the four headed surprise.

She said: 'I feel like we’ve had blood sweat and tears and to get a band that aren’t reuniting, they're still together. I don’t get it.'

Jessica from Liberty X is equally as unsure saying: 'It feels like they can waltz in when everything is done.'

Bring it on: Duncan is ready to take the other groups on during the live show

As they entered the rehearsal room for the first time Edele marches over to Duncan to tell her how it is.

He said: ‘Edele came straight up and made a point that she wasn’t happy about it.’

Michelle from Liberty X also confronted them, joking:'How do you feel about trampling all over us?'

Understanding: Simon admits that he knows it must be hard for the other bands to have them come and crash their party

Arriving for the first time dressed in suits Blue requested private rehearsals time before performing in front of the rest of the groups.

Speaking about his dancing skills, Anthony said: 'Am i a dancer? I'll let you guys be the judge of that.'

While Simon admitted: 'Our dance routines always looked like we were falling over.'

But it's not long until Lee gets distracted by the red-head dancer and spends time looking at her rather than concentrating on their routines.

Nerves: As the boys get ready to dance, they all admit they are scared

Back to his old tricks: It doesn't take Lee long to turn his attention to one of the female dancers present

When the time comes for the group to perform in front of their piers once again, tensions are high.

Taking to the rehearsal space the boys give it their all, while the other six groups look on a suspiciously.

A nervous Simon admitted: 'Performing in front of your fans is much easier than performing in front of those guys.'

What?: The news is met by mixed reactions as the groups feel Blue aren't properly reuniting

Duncan agreed: 'It was like the first day back at school.'

But it seems their efforts paid off and they soon win over most of the other singers.

Scott from Five is excited for them, saying: 'They fit into the show well. And it's a few more drinking partners.'

Emotional: Kerry Katona from Atomic Kitten was struggling with the vocals as they rehearsed

Meanwhile despite their party being crashed by Blue, all the over groups have issues to deal with.

991 are having a few problems of their own as Lee arrives two hours late for dance rehearsals.

This unsurprisingly prompts the other two members of the band to comment on his diva like behaviour.

Support: Out of all the groups Atomic Kitten appear to have slotted back together the best

When he arrives hungover two hours late, they confront him about his attitude and while he says he won’t do it again, it seems the cracks are starting to show.

Lee has issues elsewhere as he is forced to spend time with his ex wife Lindsay from B*Witched.

Talking to each other for the first time since rehearsals began the couple discuss their odd situation, admitting it’s strange because it’s the same environment in which they met all those years ago.

Come so far: Singing Whole Again makes Kerry weep as she feels like her life has come full circle

Support: Kerry is joined by her eldest daughter who reveals she can be judgmental about her mum

Struggling: Sinéad from B*Witched admits she is finding it very hard to slot back being a pop star

A sad looking Lee said: ‘It does take us back to where we first met. Everything in life was fine and dandy.’

Over with the Kittens, Kerry is really struggling with her vocals, and although she is being praised for them her tendency to sing over the other two is causing issues.

As they rehearse Whole Again, Kerry breaks down in tears, finding the whole situation very overwhelming.

For Kerry it feels like the song is very personal to her because like the song she has come full circle.

Fighting back the tears she said: ‘I should technically have been dead. I am very proud of myself.’

Talking thing over: Lee and Lindsay who used to be married talk about spending time together again

Talking it over: The members of Liberty X join the other bands to discuss what they think of Blue

Diva: Lee's 911 bandmates are not happy with his behaviour as he keeps turning up late

Wednesday, 27 February 2013

Kerry Katona's has nip slip on stage with Atomic Kitten at first Big Reunion concert

The Cleavage Is High! Kerry Katona's nipple slips out of her top ON STAGE with Atomic Kitten at first Big Reunion concert

By LUCY BUCKLAND

PUBLISHED: 23:01, 26 February 2013 | UPDATED: 10:42, 27 February 2013

Kerry Katona would probably be the first to admit she is no Janet Jackson but the Atomic Kitten now has something in common with the superstar - an onstage nipple slip.

In front of a packed crowd at Hammersmith Apollo for their debut performance as part of The Big Reunion Concert, Atomic Kitten were preened to perfection.

Although during one energetic move, Kerry, 33, showed off more than she bargained for as her cleavage, which looked unusually high throughout the show, popped out of her neon top exposing her nipple to the packed venue.

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Busty: Kerry reveals a bit too much onstage at the first Big Reunion comeback tour

Despite the obvious wardrobe malfunction the trio, completed by Liz McClarnon and Natasha Hamilton, snag their hearts out onstage with their hits.

Kerry, who revealed on the ITV's The Big Reunion that she was worried how she would get through the energetic dance routines without a cigarette, looked full of energy as she bounced around onstage in black boiler suit and a tight neon top.

She later changed into a white boiler suit, which she accesorised with some suede stilettos.

Her bandmates mother-of-three Natasha, 30, and feisty Liz, looked slightly more feminine onstage with redhead Natasha going for a see-through bubble gum bottom while Liz almost matched Kerry with her skater neon skirt.

Eye popping outfit! Kerry opted for a black boiler suit with a neon top which revealed her busty frame

Singing her heart out: Kerry admitted getting back together with the group after 12 years had been emotional

Coming out: The girls said they were nervous but excited to perform together for the first time in 12 years

Taking the lead: It's been years since Kerry was part of Atomic Kitten but she confidently took to the mic

It's been 12 years since Kerry left Atomic Kitten and during The Big Reunion filming she was seen charting some of her highs and lows, speaking frankly about Brian McFadden, drugs and being bipolar.

The 32-year-old singer has been admirably open with her emotional journey since leaving the band but it was clear that the breakdown of her first marriage to the Westlife singer sent her life spiralling out of control.

Speaking on the ITV2 show she said: 'He left me. He got with somebody else and that absolutely destroyed me it made me feel a failure as a mother, as a wife.'

Action packed: Kerry had admitted she'd find it difficult to perform without a cigarette break but joined in with the energetic performances

Enjoying the moment: She has spent the last few weeks rehearsing with the group to perfect their set

While Kerry opted for a black baggy boiler suit, Natasha showed off her super skinny figure in a clear skirt and nude fish nets

Skater skirt! Liz shows off her amazing legs in a tiny belted skater skirt and lace top

Emotional: The girls cheer as they finish their set

The blonde mother-of-four also revealed how she and Brian pretended to be a happy couple and tried to make their marriage work after it was revealed he had cheated.

After she left I'm A Celebrity after being crowned winner in 2004 the pair tried to put on a united front but split in September later that year.

Kerry revealed that in the wake of the break-up her self-confidence plummeted and she entered into a second, largely unhappy marriage to Mark Croft and as that relationship broke down she turned to drugs.

VIDEO The girls sing The Tide is High at their first reunion gig

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They're back! The girls were emotional after they finished their set

Impressed: Kerry looks rather pleased with herself as she sings with her kittens

Tearful: Natasha and Liz take a moment as the concert comes to a close

It's not a tear competition: The girls became all emotional as they got overwhelmed with the experience

Kerry explained: 'Cocaine then becomes your bestest [sic] friend in the world and it listens to your problems.'

The reality star spoke about how showing her life off for the cameras was her career and it was how she made sure her children got a good education.

Kerry credits exercise to helping her battle her drink and drug demons and said: 'Exercise, it changed my life. I've been clean for three years'.

The Big Reunion Concert will air on ITV 2 on March 28 and include backstage footage in a 90-minute special.

Formation: They took to the steps to belt out another former hit on the night

Emotional: The girls made an impact before making way for the likes of Five, Liberty X and Blue to take the stage

Emotional: It all became a bit much for the girls as they ended their set

Better in white: Kerry decided to opt for a white boiler suit for the finale

End of the evening! The bands take to the stage after performing

KATCHING MY I

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