01.01.02

We'll Always Love You STEPS You're Forever In Our Hearts

Life in STEPS world has changed dramatically over the past few days. Their shock split has left fans reeling and hurt beyond belief. It still seems like a terrible nightmare and that tomorrow we'll wake up and find that everything is the way it used to be and that H, Lisa, Faye, Claire and Lee are still our fave pop peeps doing what we love best.
Over the past five years we've known and loved STEPS they have provided us with so much happiness that they will always have a very special place in our hearts.
So this message is to you H, Lisa, Faye, Claire and Lee ...
WE LOVE YOU, WE'LL NEVER FORGET YOU AND NO ONE WILL EVERE TAKE YOUR PLACE IN OUR HEARTS!



02.01.02

STEPS To Be Reunited At Westlife Wedding

STEPS will be reunited for the first time since they announced their split. All five ex band mates have been invited to the wedding of Westlife singer, Bryan McFadden and ex Atomic Kitten, Kerry Katona. The ceremony will take place in Dublin this coming Saturday.


Gold In The Top 10 Best Sellers Of 2001

STEPS last ever album Gold was at No.6 in the best selling albums of 2002. The album which has gone 4x platinum so far was one of the supergroups biggest successes.


Claire And H Deny They Caused STEPS To Split

H and Claire have hit back at reports that they walked out on STEPS causing the band to split on Boxing Day. The pair posted these messages on the STEPS Official message board on New Years Eve:

Happy New Year! I'm sad to see that there have been some untrue things said in the press over the last few days and want to reassure you that we did all agree that our parting was mutual and that we want to stay friends. It's also not true that I have done a solo deal! Of course I am upset but I want to look back on the great times I had in Steps and for that I've only got you to thank.
So a big THANK YOU and all my love,
Claire


Hello everyone I just want to send all my love and best wishes for a great 2002 to all of you. It has been a very sad week for all of us but I just wanted you to know that it didn't all happen the way it has been said in some of the papers (again!). Faye has been in touch with me to say she didn't even speak to the NOTW! After the show in Manchester we all had a big hug and I certainly felt that we would remain good friends.
Love always
H



03.01.02

STEPS Make Appearance On Movie Soundtrack

STEPS make an appearnce on the soundtrack to the new Disney movie 'The Princesses Diaries'. The track used is Happy Go Lucky which is taken from STEPS' last studio album, Buzz.
The movie and the soundtrack are all on general release across the UK. STEPS appeared on the spundtrack in a bid to crack the American market - something they never achieved before they split.


Fingers Crossed For Claire

Morning TV show the Big Breakfast today showed an interview with STEPS made three weeks ago - before the band took their shock decision to quit. When asked if a split was imminent the band all went through their usual mantra of denying it - fair enough, but Claire was seen crossing her fingers behind her back! In light of the recent events The Big Breakfast decided to point this out to STEPS fans.
I don't think we'll be getting to the truth of why they split for a very long time yet.


No Tears As Pop Clones Step Back Into Oblivion

So farewell to STEPS. Fortunately I won't be among those needing emergency bereavement counselling. I couldn't tell H from Lee if they'd both bit me on the ankle. As for the two blonde identikit babes, I'd be hard pushed to distinguish them from the towering luminaries of Atomic Kitten or S Club 7 fame.
STEPS were walking wallpaper: inoffensive, bland, antiseptic, asexual and not inordinately bothered by any discernible talent. It is to their credit that they cite artistic differences as the reason for the schism. Pete Waterman's production line isn't entitled to make any such claims.
You'd think their rise and rise to fame would have been greeted by STEPS themselves with incredulity, wonderment and profound gratitude. Not a bit of it. Within seconds of the inexplicable success, they had acquired all the blas ennui of world class divas.
Friends whose children rushed to get STEPS' illustrious autographs at last year's Party In The Park were staggered to see them sent away with a flea in their ears. STEPS frequently gave interviews about the pain and pressure of fame. It's astonishing how quickly memories of being an underpaid, anonymous Butlins Redcoat fade away.
Stick with what made you famous, give the public what it wants and expects and you'll never go wrong.
STEPS have been blessed. Not with talent but with brilliant marketing and flawless packaging. Even the announcement of their split is timed to generate maximum sales for their most recent album.
Is there a future for STEPS as individual performers? Ask Gary Barlow. Ask Jason Orange. Ask Scary Spice, just dumped by her record company. If there's a Robbie Williams or a Geri Halliwell among this lot I'll eat my coat as well as my hat!
(Vanessa Feltz -The Express)



04.01.02

Chain Reaction Named As STEPS' Biggest Hit Of 2001

As we already told you, Gold was the 6th biggest selling album of 2001, and now the singles figures are in too.
STEPS only managed to get the two single in the Top 100. Chain Reaction/One For Sorrow 2001 was the 37th biggest selling single of 2001. It's The Way You Make Me Feel was the 60th biggest seller of 2001.
There was no sign of Here And Now/You'll Be Sorry or Words Are Not Enough/I Know Him So Well, despite the fact that both were top 5 hits at the time of their release.


3SL To Tour With S Club 7

They've already toured with STEPS, appeared on the Smash Hits tour and even won the coverted Best New Tour Act at the Poll Winners Party and now Lisa's brothers band, 3SL, are getting ready to hit the road again, this time supporting S Club 7 on their new UK arena tour. It seems that their lovely big sister Lisa and their dad Tony are certainly doing a fab job as manager and tour manager!
We'll give you more details on the boys as we get them.


Steppy Stuff

One magazine you won't want to miss is Now Magazine, it has an exclusive interview with Lisa, Faye and Claire and has their very last photo taken together - you can read the interview and see the pic by clicking the link on our front page. Now Magazine is out now.

We'll be hopefully updating the Talking Point page with some of your many e-mails to us about STEPS' split later in the day and also look out for a new feature where we'll be giving you the chance to send a message to STEPS.

There's loads more to come on STEPS Home UK in the future and we'll be continuing to support each and every STEPSter throughout their careers so keep logging on and more importantly keep stepping!


06.01.02

2001 - The Year Pop's Bubble Burst

With the untimely demise of STEPS, pop's biggest and best band for decades, pop fans were left wondering if things could get any worse - well they could.
It's been revealed that S Club 7 will be splitting at the end of the year and Atomic Kitten plan to take a 6 month break from the charts, even scrapping plans for their new single!
The future is bleak on the pop front and we can only pray that STEPS' solo projects are all out by the end of 2002! Apart from that the only light on the horizon is offered by 3SL, AllSTARS, A1 and Hear'Say and even then there's no one who will ever be able to fill huge void that STEPS have left behind them.


New 3SL Site

If you enjoyed 3SL on the STEPS tour then why not visit our new sister site - 3SL online. Follow the link on the front page to visit it. If you would like to work on the 3SL site with us why not apply to be one of the 3SL team?! Simply send your details to us at stepshomeuk@aol.com



07.01.02
The World Gets Ready For The Gold Rush


Despite their shock split STEPS will be releasing their Greatest Hits album across Europe, Asia and other continents as planned.
The international release for the CD will be soon and we'll bring you more details on it as we get them.
You can download a preview of the Gold album from our 'Get Into The Groove' section.


Chart News


STEPS' split hasn't done their chart postions any harm, in fact their Gold DVD and video has risen one place!
Meanwhile the album and single are still both faring well - a sign that no one was quite ready to give up on STEPS yet.
See the chart page for all the details.


Steppy Stuff


Thanks to everyone who has sent their messages for STEPS in, keep them coming. We'll be putting a few of them up either later today or tomorrow.

Why not visit or new sister site 3SL Online.



08.01.02

Faye's Steps For Solo Success

Now there is even more reasons for your dad to fancy Faye Tozer. The songs she's penning for her solo career are like Bob Dylan's, says her fiance.
(Channel 4 Teletext)


Documentry To Chart The STEPS Story

This Saturday Trouble, they will be showing a documentary on the career of STEPS.
The makers of the show have already interviewed fans of the band and will be speaking to their producer Pete Waterman, Lisa brothers, 3SL and and hopefully to Lisa herself, when she returns from holiday tomorrow.
We'll have more details on the show nearer the time.


Lee Sets Pulses Racing

BBC bosses were so impressed with Lee Latchford-Evans in the Chain Reaction video for his old band STEPS that they have asked Holby City writers to draft in a part especially for him!
(Daily Post)



14.01.02

STEPS To Release Farewell Album?

Rumours are currently circulating that STEPS may well be releasing a farewell album. Obviously there wouldn't be any group promotion for it, but it would be a sure fire hit with fans who are despearte to get their hands on anything that STEPS release.
We don't know how true these rumours are and it may well only be speculation. We have recieved e-mails saying that the album, with the working title Step Two, has appeared on the computers of some record store - again we stress that this is NOT confirmed. We'll look into the rumour though and see what we come up with and with any luck it might turn out to be true!


Chart News

Not a very good week for STEPS in the charts Gold has spent it's first week outside the top 10 since it was released and Words Are Not/I Know Him So Well dropped 15 places in the singles charts. The slump in sales is probably due to the Christmas period being over. Check the chart page for full details.


Steppy Stuff

Two mags you should get this week are Smash Hits and Top Of The Pops. Smash Hits has a review of the Gold tour and some pics plus a gorgeous poster of the ever so sexy Faye! Top Of The Pops has a quick interview with H and Lee and a lush poster of STEPS!



16.01.02

STEPS To Become A Duo!

STEPS boss Tim Byrne is bouncing back from the group's split by launching Lisa Scott-Lee and Ian 'H' Watkins as a duo. A source said: "Tim thinks Lisa and H will be dynamite and that duos are the next big thing!"
(The Sun)

Obviously if this is true then it's absolutely fantastic news that will bring a smile to every STEPS fan;s face. Let's keep are fingers crossed and hope that it is true!!!!!


Gold Album To Be Released In The US

STEPS' greatest hits album, Gold, will be released in the US despite the bands lack of success over there. We'll bring you more details on the relaese date etc. when we get them.


Steppy Stuff

A couple of our graphics are down in the Live and Dangerous, Discography, TV caps and vid caps sections. This is because of a server change, but we'll be hoping restore them as soon as possible. You can still view the photos linked to them though as it's just the graphic that is down not the link.



19.01.02

Record Companies Fight It Out For Faye

FAYE TOZER will be the first of the STEPS gang to launch a solo career.
The singers debut single will be out in a few months but dont expect the cheesy pop or naff dance routines she has become famous for.
Faye, who is desperate to ditch her old image, has got a new grown-up sound and her own manager.
After cutting ties with Steps old boss Tim Byrne, Faye told me: "Im very excited about the future and I cant wait to perform my solo stuff for the fans."
Her debut single is ready to go and she is in talks with two major record labels who are battling to sign her.
Fayes new boss Paul Stacey also manages her Danish fianc JASPER IRNs rock band, ONE.
Paul said: "I have known Faye and Jasper for ages. Im really looking forward to working with Faye as a solo artist."
In the meantime, Faye will join opera star Russell Watson to perform aboard the QE2 for a six-day cruise which leaves Hawaii next week.
She will also be hosting the Valentines Day Ball at Londons Grosvenor House Hotel.
Steps stunned fans by splitting on Boxing Day after four years at the top.
(The Sun)

The first member of Steps to go solo will be Faye Tozer.
She has already recorded her debut single.
Two record labels are fighting it out to sign her.
Faye told The Sun: "I'm very excited about the future and I can't wait to perform my solo stuff for the fans."
Her new manager Paul Stacey said: "I have known Faye for ages. I'm really looking forward to working with Faye as a solo artist."
Faye's new single is not expected to be released for several months.
(ananova.com)


STEPS Home UK Say: Go Faye! We can hardly wait to hear what the artist formely known as Smiley STEPS has to offer us!!! We wish her all the luck in the world and don't forget STEPS Home UK is the place to come to get all the news on every STEPSters solo careers!



More News On H And Lisa

Good news for fans of British pop group Steps -- two of the chart-topping band are to continue as a duo.
Lisa Scott-Lee and Ian "H" Watkins will team up in a move which Steps' boss Tim Byrne believes will be a surefire hit. The group split in December after three years of massive success in the U.K. and around the world.
(MTV Asia)


Channel 4 teletext also said much of the same.
Let's all keep our fingers crossed that this is true because it looks like this is the nearestr we're going to ever get to STEPS again.


Man U Star Gutted Over STEPS Split

Manchester United star Ryan Giggs is said to be absolutely gutted about the news of STEPS' split because they are his favourite band. The footballer had wanted them to play at his testimonial dinner at The Midland Hotel in Manchester, but was dissapointed that he was unable to book them. Instaed he booked Hear'Say and has been let down by the band after it emerged that they were still in crisis talks with Kym Marsh.



21.01.02

STEPS Babe Tries To Get New 'Lisa' Life

Lisa Scott-Lee is taking a 10-day holiday in the Middle East with her boyfriend to come to terms with the shock break-up of her band Steps.
The sexy singer is "dumbfounded" by the split, which happened when Ian "H" Watkins and Claire Richards issued legal papers to Lisa, Lee Latchford Evans and Faye Tozer announcing their departure, just before a gig on December 21.
Lisa's dad Tony reveals, "Lisa is very upset. She certainly didn't want Steps to stop -- she loved that band.
"Lisa was not involved at all with the politics that might have been going on with other band members. I know she was as happy as ever in Steps."
The break-up occurred as the band were due to play the last date of their sold-out 30-date British tour -- and according to Tony the band could have gone on for much longer.
"It would have been better to go out with a bang and a great big farewell tour to thank all their fans," he says.
"I think Steps could have carried on for another year."
Their is one silver lining however, according to the proud father. He adds, "At least they've finished at the top."
"They haven't had to go through what the Spice Girls have been going through, watching their records sell less and less."
(MTV)


Solo STEPS

Below are a few more stories on what Faye, H and Lisa will be up to in the next few months:

It's only been a few weeks since the demise of Steps but plans are already well underway to launch the solo career of Faye Tozer.
According to reports in The Sun, Faye is set to become the first member of the defunct pop group to go it alone and has already recorded her debut single.
"I'm very excited about the future," Faye told the paper. "I can't wait to perform my solo stuff for the fans."
The reports suggest two record labels are currently bidding to sign Tozer and fans can expect to see Faye's solo single some time in the spring.
At the time of the break up of the band Faye was quoted as feeling "numb and betrayed" by the split.
(Dotmusic)

Singer Faye Tozer is ready to be the first Steps member to strike out on her own -- with a debut single due in just a few months.
The sexy blonde has appointed her own manager, changed her image and adopted a whole new sound -- which her Dutch popstar boyfriend Jasper Irn describes as "Dylanesque."
Two record labels are currently bidding to sign the "Tragedy" star.
Faye's new manager, Paul Stacey, also manages her Danish fiance Irn's rock band One.
And Faye will warm up her new sound by joining opera star Russell Watson to perform aboard luxury ship QE2 for a cruise next week.
(MTV)

The Insider hears that from the ashes from the Steps split Lisa and H will launch themselves as a duo. Lisa Scott Lee and Ian 'H' Watkins are the first members of Steps to indicate their career intentions after the band's Boxing Day split. Steps notched up a total of 12 Top 5 singles, two No 1s and four successful albums during their tenure and will undoubtedly be a hard act to follow, but manager Tim Byrne thinks that Lisa and H can do it. A source close to Tim said: 'Tim thinks Lisa and H will be dynamite and that duos are the next big thing.'
(Worlpop)

Former Steps singer Faye Tozer looks set to release her debut solo single in just a few months. Faye has appointed her own manager, changed her image and adopted a whole new sound. Two record labels are currently bidding to sign the singer. Faye's new manager, Paul Stacey, also manages her Danish fiance Jasper Irn's rock band One.
Faye is set to join opera star Russell Watson to perform aboard the QE2 for a cruise next week.
Steps stunned their fans by splitting up on Boxing Day of last year.
(Worldpop)


STEPS Classic Back On The Box

You can now request the classic STEPS video, It's The Way You Make Me Feel, on The Box, No.712.
You can also see their current UK hit, I Know Him So Well, on Box No.200.



24.01.02

He's Still The One

STEPS may have split up but singer Faye Tozer is clearly still very much together with her fiance. The 26 year old looked all smiles as she enjoyed a night out at the Met Bar, London, with Jasper Irn, a member of Danish group One.

Pop Goes Your Career

IT'S the question on every pop fan's lips - have Steps taken a huge step in the wrong direction?
The five-member group, who have sold more than 12 million records, announced their decision on Boxing Day to go their separate ways and move on to "new challenges".
Faye, Claire, Lisa, H and Lee may all want to be the next Robbie Williams, with a successful solo career.
But when manufactured bands go pop, there are very few winners. For every Robbie, Geri and Ronan, there are hundreds of also-rans - the Andrew Ridgeleys, the Gary Barlows and the Stephen Gatelys.
Even sadder are the ex-pop A-listers whose names mean nothing after they split. Anyone remember Shane Lynch (Boyzone), Bobby Gubby (Bucks Fizz) or John Hendy (East 17)?
Faye Tozer is the bookies' favourite to be the first Steps leaver to have a UK solo number one. But history has taught us that the others are unlikely to remain in the spotlight.
Because it is rarely individuals which make a band successful, it is the formula.
Take East 17. The band with trademark camouflage trousers and Bacofoil boiler suits had a string of hits in the 90s including Stay Another Day and If You Ever. Then it found itself with huge tax bills after being dumped by its record label in 1998.
While other members have gone on to mediocre levels of success, John Hendy, 30, went from pop idol to roofer. Today, the ex-millionaire earns a living as a tiler working on a building site in Vauxhall, south London. He is driving around in a Renault Clio rather than a Mercedes.
He says: "I'm exactly the same person that I was. But like everyone, I need to earn a living - and roofing is what I know."
John's latest pop appearance was a pub gig with new band, Instant Karma.
Tony Mortimer, 31, East 17's main songwriter and the one generally regarded as the most talented, has been more successful. - but not much.
HIS latest musical contribution has been writing solo songs for the likes of former 911 boy-band member, Lee Brennan. His most high-profile appearance was as a pallbearer at Reggie Kray's funeral.
Shane Lynch was once on every celebrity guest list as a member of Boyzone. With his wife, the former Eternal singer Easther Bennet, he once formed part of a power couple.
Nowadays the only way he gets on to the red carpet is as the boyfriend of B-list It-Girl Victoria Hervey. Even his hobbies have hit the skids - he has taken up racing and go-karting but keeps crashing.
Meanwhile, Stephen Gately announced he was gay to cries that he was committing celebrity suicide. Those critics weren't far wrong.
Last spotted in McDonald's in Dublin, the 25-year-old now lives in Amsterdam.
Bobby Gubby, 48, has been in Bucks Fizz since answering an advert to join the group. But he has had quite a fall from celebrity grace despite winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 1981.
As the female members deserted, he replaced them with younger models. One of them, Heidi Manton, became his wife. But nowadays Bucks Fizz tours are mainly confined to seaside towns such as Minehead and Skegness.
Bobby's only real claim to fame was writing and recording the theme music for the BBC TV series Big Deal.
But perhaps Jay Aston, 40, fell furthest. All her attempts to start a solo career in 1985 struggled and she now teaches singing and songwriting to children. Last year, she relaunched herself in a band with her husband.
Dollar's David van Day was once a teen heart-throb. But this summer, aged 42, he was found serving hot dogs from a van in Brighton.
Graham Jones once played the guitar in 80s pop sensation Haircut 100. Now he's a tree surgeon. When his rock'n'roll lifestyle ran aground, he took up surfing instead. At work, Graham, 39, wields a saw instead of a guitar.
Andrew Ridgeley, George Michael's sidekick in Wham! disappeared into the outer reaches of obscurity. While George goes from strength to strength - even turning his arrest for lewd behaviour in a toilet to his showbiz advantage - Ridgeley is hardly ever heard from on the showbiz scene.
The artist formerly nicknamed Vomit Fountain can now be found in his local pub, close to the Cornish farmhouse he shares with former Bananarama girl Keren Woodward.
Andrew, 38, tried and failed to launch a solo career after Wham! split, and now spends his days riding his motorbike and playing golf. Robbie Williams, 27, the youngest member of Take That, left the band, trying to find his own way as he fought a long battle against drink and drugs. But his solo career has soared.
This Christmas, he had a double number one with his latest album topping the charts and his duet with Nicole Kidman remaining at number one in the single charts for a second week. But while Robbie is the man every boy and girl band member wants to become, Gary Barlow personifies the lesson they should all heed when they announce: "We're going solo."
For years, Gary was touted as the real talent behind Take That - the songwriter, the power behind the group, the only one who could really sing. When he split from Take That, he was almost guaranteed a place in the pop canon with his next release.
But Gary's solo career wasn't to be. His solo album sales were disappointing and even his fan club shut recently. Today he is writing songs for boy band BLUE's new album.
Lara Palamoudian, deputy editor of Smash Hits magazine, explains why going solo can be a lonely path: "These young artists have usually grown out of their teenage bands and want to make the transition into mature pop territory.
"But however much they want to appeal to an older audience, this jump is a difficult one. It is basically all about careful planning and maintaining the right image to keep their original fans as well as attracting new ones.
"This usually depends on how good their song-writers and producers are. Whether they make it or not is also down to whether their talent is big enough to stand on its own.
"Robbie Williams already had a combination of talent and charisma while he was in Take That but he also managed to keep reinventing himself.
"He doesn't just stick to one sort of music and he is constantly updating his image to keep fans interested.
"Steps were together for five years and now that they are all that much older, I think they just want to move on and try different things. Lisa has gone into management looking after her brother's band and the others want to try out solo careers.
"I also expect Steps get bored with the squeaky-clean image that can become a strain to keep up."
Lara also points out that in some cases, people have just fallen into bands and find it overwhelming. They spend all their money quickly and then are left with nothing.
"It is a question of their management training them up on how to look after their finances," she says.
"Steps are a professional band and they all seem to know their own minds. And I'm pretty sure they have all got quite big lumps of money to retire on."
Whether Faye, Claire, Lisa, H and Lee's attempts to go solo will see them playing with the Barlows or the Williamses remains to be seen.
But pop history says that at least four out of the five original members will be living in obscurity before long.
(The Mirror)


Steppy Stuff

We've been working on the site alot over the last few days because of a server move. So there's a couple of new bits around including a new page called 'Poll Position' where you can cast your votes for various subjects regarding STEPS.
This months question is who do you think will be the most successful solo STEPSter? It's a tough decidion, so make sure you get your say.

Talking Point also returns this week - we want to know what you think about STEPS' solo plans eg. Faye going solo and H and Lisa forming a duo. Who do think will make it out of the fab five and who do you think will fade into obscurity?
Send your comments to us at stepshomeuk@aol.com


25.01.02

Gold's US Release Date Confirmed

Steps : Best Of Steps (Release Date 19th March 2002)
Steps are a worldwide phenomenon. The band has been certified gold or platinum in a dozen countries, and has sold a whopping 12 million plus records worldwide. With 15 Top 10 hits (including 2 #1's) in the U.K., their last three releases debuted in the Top 5!
Their pop presence has also been felt in the U.S. Steps' debut album. Step One, has scanned over 200,000 in the states. The record began to sell immediately following the extremely popular Steps Disney special.. .a sure sign that the band connects with U.S. teens in the same way they do with teens around the globe. Steps were also featured on the hit soundtrack to the smash film "Drive Me Crazy." This brought the band to the attention of jive label mate (and "Drive Me Crazy" darling) Britney Spears, who later took them out on the road.
Steps' second U.S. release, entitled Buzz, generated the band's second #1 U.K. hit, "Stomp," while the album, debated at #4. Its second single "It's The Way You Make Me Feel" entered the chart at #2, just as die second season of their U.K. television series, "Steps To The Stars," began. The U.S. version of Buzz was kicked off with the support of the ever-popular Nickelodeon network, in a one-hour Steps special. Obviously, Steps are no strangers to the world of television.
Much to the dismay of Steps' millions of worldwide fans, on December 26, 2001, Steps announced that they would no longer continue as a group. As a tribute to these now pop legends, Jive Records is proud to present Best Of Steps. As a special bonus, this collection includes two brand-new, previously unreleased tracks!
After winning multiple prestigious awards, selling millions of records, starring in their own television specials, and selling out arenas with their record-breaking live shows, it is obvious that Steps will be sorely missed. As a cap to their incredibly successful career. Steps was recently awarded a commemorative disc by Sir Tim Rice, celebrating their entry into the "Top 100 Acts Of All Time." Best Of Steps will act as a lasting tribute to their extensive contribution to pop music.

Tracklisting as follows:
1. Tragedy
2. One For Sorrow
3. Stomp
4. Love's Got A Hold On My
Heart
5. 5,6,7,8
6. Chain Reaction*
7. It's The Way You Make Me
Feel
8. Say You 11 Be Mine
9. Words Are Not Enough*
10. Heartbeat
(Jive Records US)



Faye's Movin' On

Faye Tozer is to team up with Russell Watson for her first show since Steps split. She will duet on one of his songs at an open air concert overlooking Auckland harbour in New Zealand. Faye will rehearse with Watson on the QE2 prior to the concert on February 6. She will duet on the song Someone Like You from Watson's debut album The Voice and will also perform a solo during the show. Footage from the show, and preparations for it, will form the basis of a 90-minute TV special which will be sold to stations around the world. The pair previously appeared together when Faye, whose hits include Tragedy and One For Sorrow, was a presenter of the children's Prom In The Park last year, at which Watson was a guest. Steps announced they had split on Boxing Day.
(ananova.com)



Steppy Stuff

There's a bit of a mystery surrounding whether or not H and Claire will be appearing on sm:tv tomorrow morning.
The sm:tv site (www.smtvlive.co.uk) reported yesterday that H and Claire would be in the studio to take part in all the usual sm:tv goings on and to answer fans questions, but now they've erased that from their website so we don't know whether they've cancelled or not. We've put the details in the diary and we'd watch it just in case, but it may simply be that they were booked before the split and someone's only just realised that they won't be coming.



27.01.02

H And Claire To Become A Duo - Official!!!!

Former Steps stars H and Claire are to record as a duo, they have announced.
They are in negotiations with record companies and will be signing with a label within two weeks, a spokesman said.
The duo - whose real names are Ian Watkins and Claire Richards - will be known simply as H and Claire.
They are also in discussion with broadcasters about hosting their own comedy and music entertainment TV show.
Claire, 24, said: "We both loved being in Steps and this is a way that we can continue the Steps spirit and the Steps sound but taking it to another level."
The group released its first single - 5,6,7,8 - in 1997
They had 11 consecutive top ten hits and four hit albums
Their first album went five times platinum, selling 1.5m in the UK alone
The follow-up Steptacular went four times platinum- sales of over 1.2 million
In total, they sold more than 12 million singles
Although they have been approached individually to sign solo deals, the pair decided the best course of action was to team up, the spokesman said.
Steps split up on Boxing Day, upsetting their legions of young fans.
In just a few years the band had notched up sales of 12 million singles and were quickly likened to Abba for their catchy songs - such as Tragedy and Better Best Forgotten - and explosive live shows.
(BBC News)


Former Steps stars H and Claire are to record as a duo.
They are in negotiations with record companies and will be signing with a label within two weeks, a spokesman said.
They are to be known simply as H and Claire.
Claire said: "We both loved being in Steps and this is a way that we can continue the
Steps spirit and the Steps sound but taking it to another level."
Although they have been approached individually to sign solo deals, the pair decided the best course of action was to team up, the spokesman said.
H, 25, and Claire, 24, are also in discussions with broadcasters about hosting their own comedy/music entertainment TV show.
Steps split up on Boxing Day.
The five were Claire (Richards), of north west London, Faye Tozer, 26, of Northampton, H, (Ian Watkins), of Rhondda, Wales, Lee Latchford-Evans, 26, of Chester, and Lisa Scott Lee, 26, of St Asaph, Wales.
(Ananova.com)


Former Steps stars Claire & H are to record as a duo, it has been announced. They are in talks with record labels and will be signing to a label in two weeks, said a spokesperson. They will simply be known as Claire & H. "We both loved being in Steps and this is a way that we can continue the Steps sprit and the Steps sound but take it to another level" said Claire. They are also talking to broadcasters about hosting their own comedy and music entertainment show.
(BBC Telextext)



27.01.02

H and Claire Become A Pop Pair

Former STEPS stars H and Claire are teaming up as a pop duo. The pair, who were the first to quit the best selling band, are just days away from signing a mega-deal with a record company. And sexy Claire has revealed they're planning a TV career together.
She said: "We both loved being STEPS. This way we can continue the STEPS sound, but take it to another level. We're talking to big bosses about our own entertainment show, similar to the Sonny and Cher show".
The couple will be known simply as H and Claire because as she said "We want to be ourselves".
(The News Of The World)


H and Claire of STEPS fame are set to sign a record deal as a duo under the imaginitive name of... H and Claire.
Surely one of these would be better - Out Of Step, Step Outside, Two Steppers ot Step-Two and Son!
(The People)


Former Steps stars Claire and H are set to form a recording duo.
The pair, who are currently negotiating with record companies, are likely to sign a contract within two weeks.
Claire, 24, said: "We both loved being in Steps and this is a way that we can continue the Steps spirit and the Steps sound but taking it to another level."
Both Claire and H were approached to sign solo deals, but they decided they would prefer to team up.
They are also holding discussions with broadcasters about hosting their a television show together.
Steps broke up on Boxing Day - which came as an unpleasant shock to their legions of young fans.
The group secured a strong following, and were often likened to Abba because of their catchy songs and explosive live shows.
(ITV News Online)



Lisa Set To Sign Solo Deal

Sexy Lisa is ready to go it alone...

Sexy STEPS songstress Lisa Scott-lee is about to make it big as a solo star, in this open letter to her beloved fans she gives the details of her new career...

Hi guys, Lisa here!
You may think I haven't been on our official site for a while, but I have been frequently been logging on & reading all your messages on the board since our sad statement. Today, once again, I sat here reading but this time I had to reply.
As many of you, I have just watched CDUK and heard H & Claire's announcement. As H said, I do wish them luck, even though the split is still raw & still hurts. However, the reason I'm writing to you all is because I think it's only fair that you know about Faye, Lee & myself. We have remained great friends & are trying to come to terms with the split but also look towards the future. Now I can't speak for Faye & Lee, but I know that they would want me to tell you that they are both making exciting plans & will tell you all when they can. (no, they're not going to become a duo too!
I also think it's about time that you heard from me. As you read in my letter to you, our fans, I was shocked & saddened by the split but like you I have to be strong, remember the good times & look forward.
So, as you know, I have been busy managing my brothers 3SL & it's going really well! There is a big buzz about them & I hope they will be very successful. I have also been busy having exciting meetings about my future & I think you should be the first to know that I have decided to go SOLO! I know a lot of you are still very upset about Steps & I don't want to upset you further but you have a right to know. I want to carry on making music & put a smile back on your faces!
Thanx for listening & thanx for your endless support. You might not know it but you have really helped me to get through this tough time. I love you all & I miss you loads.
Speak to you soon!
Lisa xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx



28.01.02

Claire And H Reveal Rift Caused STEPS To Split

Them and us rift caused STEPS to split...

FORMER Steps members CLAIRE RICHARDS and H have revealed it was a them and us row that split the band. Since the Boxing Day announcement that Steps were no more, Claire, H, FAYE TOZER, LEE LATCHFORD EVANS and LISA SCOTT LEE have refused to discuss those final days. But now Claire and H, real name Ian Watkins, have spoken out and announced they will pursue a career together as a duo. Claire said: To those in the business it was always Claire and H together with Lisa, Faye and Lee elsewhere. They would go out to a premiere or something and we wouldnt be invited. It got to the point when they knew we wouldnt go anyway. You could see what was developing. I started asking, Is it worth it? Is it worth putting yourself through this any more? H and Claire also told me about the fateful band meeting Steps held just before Christmas. H said: Claire and I had already discussed calling it a day but needed someone else to initiate the decision. Other band members said they were unhappy with the way things were going and we all realised wed gone as far as we could with Steps. I told the others me and Claire were carrying on together and they wished us the best of luck. Claire added: It was a very emotional moment and there were a lot of tears. Claire and H are negotiating with three record labels including Steps Jive. The pair, whose debut single will be out in April, are also in talks about hosting their own TV show
(The Sun)


Steps split 'was down to rift in the band'
H and Claire say the reason Steps split up was because of a rift between them and the rest of the band.
They say Faye, Lee and Lisa would go out together leaving the other two behind.
H and Claire have now announced they are to record as a duo.
Claire told The Sun: "To those in the business it was always Claire and H together with Lisa, Faye and Lee elsewhere. They would go out to a premiere or something and we wouldn't be invited."
(Ananova)


Former Steps members Claire Richards and H are to unleash themselves on the pop world as a duo.
Richards and H (real name Ian Watkins) have announced plans to go it alone a month after the Boxing Day split of Steps.
The duo, who will record under the name 'H and Claire', are apparently within days of signing a major deal.
Claire, 24, said: "We both loved being in Steps and this is a way that we can continue the Steps spirit and the Steps sound but taking it to another level."
H and Claire are also in negotiations with TV companies about a 'Sonny and Cher' style comedy and music show.
Claire has also confirmed that the Steps split was due to division in the Steps campaign.
Speaking to the Sun, Claire said that two camps developed.
Claire said: "To those in the business it was always Claire and H together with Lisa, Faye and Lee elsewhere. They would go out to a premiere or something and we wouldn't be invited."
(Dotmusic)



Happy Birthday Lee

The STEPS Home UK team would like to wish the lovely Lee a very happy 27th birthday. We hope that Lee goes on to have great success in everything that he undertakes in the next year.



29.01.02

Beauty And The Beasts

Lisa wows the crowds in a revealing outfit...

Lisa Scott-Lee wowed the crowds at the London premiere of the latest Disney movie, Monsters Inc., on Sunday night by wearing a very tight and revealing top. The ex STEPS beauty told reporters that she wished her former bandmates H and Claire Richards the best of luck with their duo and added that she would be back very soon with her own solo career.
Wonder if she'd be wishing them luck if she'd known that they were going to spill the beans over the split?...
(Daily Post)



Faye Sets Sail On Her Solo Career

Faye Tozer doesn't let the grass grow under her feet, only a month after the ex STEPS star claimed to be 'hurt and dumbfounded' by fellow band mates H and Claire Richards's decision to quit, the blonde beauty has signed up to a new manager and record company and is already embarking on a tour, on board the QE2, with Manchester born opera singer Russel Watson even as we speak.
Faye who claimed that she would never be taken seriously as a solo artist whilst still performing with STEPS, has also already recorded her debut single which should be hitting the record store in March, now call me an old cynic but something tells me that this young lady was neither hurt or dumbfounded by the resignation of Richards or H.
(Express)



30.01.02

H And Claire Official Statement

H and Claire have formed a duo and will be recording as "H and Claire". They will be signing a record deal in the next two weeks and while they have been approached as solo artists by every major label have decided to become a duo.
While they have always been good friends they have become even closer since Steps split and the idea of becoming a duo emerged after them spending a lot of time together around Christmas and New Year. The decision for Steps to split was a very very tough one and was not taken lightly. Steps had always said that they would go out on top and you can't get bigger than the "Gold - Greatest Hits" album and tour.
"H and Claire" will be a hybrid of Steps and will carry on the spirit of Steps. They loved being in the band and the music they made. Their new duo allows them to take the Steps sound to a new level. They have already found several world-class songs and will begin recording in February.
There have been lots of inaccurate reports in the papers since the split and H and Claire would like to thank every single person who has supported them in the past and continued to support them over the last month, in particular for all the kind messages they have received by letter and on the Steps web site.
(STEPS Official)


Your messages of support for STEPS were given to a very grateful H outside the sm:tv studios. We'd like to thank all of you who sent them in, they were much appreciated.
Webmaster STEPS Home UK



More On The US Album

The tracklisting for the US version of the Greatest Hits has changed here is the new version below:

Tragedy
One For Sorrow
Stomp
Its The Way You Make Me Feel
Loves Got A Hold On My Heart
Heartbeat
Better Best Forgotten
Say You'll Be Mine
Deeper Shade of Blue
5-6-7-8
Last Thing On My Mind
Chain Reaction
Words Are not Enough

The cover is nothing new it's basically exactly the same as the UK version. It will be out on 19th March 2002.



31.01.02

Lee Has His Say

Lee is the latest STEPSter to have his say on the split, he posted this on the bands official message board:

Hi Guy's. As the title say's sorry its late but since the split i've needed
to gather my thoughts & rearrange my emotions, because i was as suprised as
any of you when it happened.so i've been away for awhile.
There are lots of rumours flying around & people sayin different things
but remember only STEPS & there management know the real truth & in time you
will all know ( if you havn't worked it out already). I just want you all to
know that we love you with all our hearts - if you guys had not gave us all
your support,love&belief then we would never have made it & for that i
THANKYOU.
I also want to thank everyone who's written a Birthday message & sent a
card (for my 27th) - there lovely ...
We all have our amazing memories of STEPS & i know we'll cherish them
forever... But now we look into the future.
Certain members have decided what they want to do... as for myself there
are many paths i could follow but whichever path i choose i want you all to
know you'll be walking it with me, in my heart.
Forever yours
xLEEx



H Teaches allSTARS To Be Perfect Popsters

TV Hits magazine has an excellent feature with H where he passes on all his worldly wise tips on how to cope with the pressures of fame and fortune to the poptastic new band allSTARS. It's really interesting and definately worth a look!
Smash Hits also has a tribute to STEPS in their new issue.



Steppy Stuff

Good news everyone the Gold Club newsletters will be starting agin this week! If you would like to recieve one make sure you sign up today!
*Members of the old club will need to sign up again at the new address!

Thanks to Simone who mailed us to say that Chain Reaction and Gold are both out in Italy right now!

We're going to start a new thing where we'll have a new STEPS interview every month. This month you can read an interview with the gorgeous Faye Tozer.

We've been working on the site alot over the last few days because of a server move. So there's a couple of new bits around including a new page called 'Poll Position' where you can cast your votes for various subjects regarding STEPS.
This months question is who do you think will be the most successful solo STEPSter? It's a tough decidion, so make sure you get your say.

Talking Point also returns this week - we want to know what you think about STEPS' solo plans eg. Faye going solo and H and Claire forming a duo. Who do think will make it out of the fab five and who do you think will fade into obscurity?
Send your comments to us at stepshomeuk@aol.com