01.05.01

HERE AND NOW/YOU'LL BE SORRY NEWS

STEPS latest single will be released on 2 cds in the uk!
The tracklisting's are as follows:

cd1
here & now - soundtrade mix
here & now - sleazesisters mix
you'll be sorry - bach to classics remix

cd2
you'll be sorry - the pardon mix
here & now - almighty mix
just like the first time

MAY DAY

As it's the beginning of a new month all the usual updates have taken place including a new pic of the stepster that you voted for which can be found on the photo of the month page.
There's also a new steps quiz to test you fan knowledge and that can be found on the interactive page.



APRIL POLL RESULTS

Last month we asked you to vote who you thought was the "sexiest girl in steps".
we were absolutely inundated with votes so much so that the poll actually crashed at around 10pm last night! so what we've decided to do is take the results from the last time they were recorded which was last night at 9.30pm.
the results are as follows:

faye tozer 45%
lisa scott-lee 43%
claire richards 12%

congratulations to faye, we can't help but think that her sensationally sexy sky magazine photo shoot has helped her win the extra votes!



02.01.05

CLAIRE TO BUY HOLIDAY HOME IN SOUTH AFRICA

In the US, they tour with teen pop goddess Britney Spears. In Britain, their songs compete at the top of the pop charts with Ricky Martin. In South Africa, they shop for houses. After touring world-wide, STEPS star LISA SCOTT-LEE says Johannesburg is her first choice for a holiday home.
They love the weather, the nightlife, the shopping - and most of all the prices. Because even after selling albums worth £15million in the past three years, the three-girl, two-boy group are still counting the pennies.
"When we started off in London three years ago, we were paid £50 a week," says CLAIRE RICHARDS, 23. "We still keep a careful eye on what we buy. We don't just splurge.
"Pop success doesn't last forever. In a year or two it could all be over, and by then I want to have invested my money so that it looks after me for the rest of my life. Buying homes is a big part of that, and for me Cape Town is the most beautiful place I've been to. I'm thinking seriously of buying a home there."
They can all afford it. LISA and IAN 'H' WATKINS, 24, were the first two unknowns recruited at the height of Spice Girls fever in 1997 to form a brand new pop group designed for instant success.
Their first single made them overnight TV favourites.
Their cover of the old Bee Gees hit TRAGEDY shot to number one in 1998, and in Christmas 1999 their 35-date British tour broke every ticket sales record in concert history - bigger than the Beatles and the Spice Girls.
(The Times)



YOU'LL BE SORRY VIDEO NEWS

The second video to be released from STEPS' latest single will be YOU'LL BE SORRY and it should be on music channel The Box from this Friday onwards.



03.05.01

STEPS LIVE AND LOUD IN GLASGOW

STEPS will be performing at this years Irn Bru Live and Loud outdoor event in Bellahouston Park, Glasgow, Scotland. Other acts including Dane Bowers, A1, Atomic Kitten, Five and Damage will also be there. The concert takes place on Sunday 17th June 2001 and tickets are onsale now. You can buy your tickets online at www.tickets-scotland.co.uk



HERE AND NOW TO BE RELEASED IN ASIA

Following their recent success over in Asia STEPS will be releasing HERE AND NOW/YOU'LL BE SORRY oveer there too. The Asian release will be exactly the same as the UK release and will have the same tracklistings and artwork.



STEPPY BITS

STEPS are featured in the new issues of Top Of The Pops and Smash Hits magazines.
In Smash Hits there''s a great poster of the fab five and in Top Of The Pops there's a couple of Steppy bits including an article with them about their dream award ceremony, Lisa chats to a fan over the phone and there's the songwords to their latest single HERE AND NOW.

We'd also like to thank all of you who sent in birthday wishes for H. We have stopped taking messages now so please don't send in anymore.
As for the ones who have sent in messages they'll all be getting typed up in anticipation for the hyperactive oe recieving them when STEPS get back from the US.



LIVE VIDEO NEWS

Also in Top Of The Pops a fan writes in to ask if the STEPS Into Christmas tour will be released on video - I have had numerous e-mails asking the same thing so I thought I'd let you know what STEPS official spokesperson said:

"At the moment there are no plans to release the video, but it's a bit early to be honest. The concert was very christmas orientated so maybe they'll release it next Christmas".

This is all very well good, but there will be yet another STEPS tour at the end of the year and we'll all be expecting to be able to buy a video of that as well.



05.05.01

FAYE AND LISA TO PLAY CHARITY FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT

As you know already LEE will be taking part in the Soccer Six charity football tournament on Monday 28th May, but now FAYE and LISA are going to be there to take part in the women's football match as well!
I doubt you'll need convincing to go and watch FAYE and LISA running round in a pair of shorts, but if you do visit www.cup-uk.com for loads more info on Soccer Six.
You can buy your tickets for £15 each by ringing 0870 906 3883.
All proceeds from the event go to the Help A London Child Charity.

Earlier this week Soccer Six inteviewed LEE, FAYE and LISA and asked them how they thought they'd cope in the match:

Soccer 6 - Would you rather be a pop star or a footballer? Why?

LEE - Footballers wage, popstars lifestyle
FAYE - Do Footballers wear make-up?!
LISA - Popstar, I haven't got a tackle!

Soccer 6 - What do you think about footballers releasing singles?

LEE - If it's for fun and for charity
FAYE - 'Fog on the Tyne' was the 1st tune I learnt to play on Sax
LISA - Don't give up your day job!

Soccer 6 - With Soccer Six, are you in it to win it? If so, what dirty tactics have you got planned?

LEE - Ant 'n' Dec
FAYE - Waterproof mascara and supreme hold hairspray
LISA - I'm gonna get their goalie to sing & dance 'Tragedy when I score!

Soccer 6 - Who would be your choice as England Manager?

LEE - Ali G!
FAYE - Geri Halliwell
LISA - Anyone bar 'H'!

Soccer 6 - What one thing do you think we could all do to Help a London Child?

LEE - More fund raising events
FAYE - Play more football
LISA - Next year, have 'Soccer Twelve' + Double the money! £'s

STEPS HELP LAUNCH THE NEW TOP OF THE POPS STUDIOS

STEPS will be appearing on next weeks Top Of The Pops to help launch the show's historical move to it's brand new riverside studios.
It is expected that STEPS will be performing a preview of one of their forthcoming singles HERE AND NOW/YOU'LL BE SORRY, our money is on it being a performance of HERE AND NOW, but they could surprise us and perform YOU'LL BE SORRY on TV for the very first time!!
Other guests on the show will include S Club 7 who will perform their no.1 smash hit 'Don't Stop Movin'' and Geri Halliwell will be wowing us all with her rendition of 'It's Raining Men'.
It's not a show to be missed! You can find more details on the diary page.



ALL NEW HERE AND NOW/YOU'LL BE SORRY SPECIAL

We've given our HERE AND NOW/YOU'LL BE SORRY Special a new look and updated it with a few bits and bobs so make sure you check that out.



06.05.01

LEE STEPS TO STARDOM

STEPS star LEE LATCHFORD-EVANS is house-hunting this week...in America.
He wants a bolt-hole in the Hollywood area because he intends to move back into acting in 18 months time.
And he's willing to spend up to £500,000 on an apartment.
LEE has already been offered a few roles but won't move back into acting just yet because he is too busy with STEPS.
A spokesman for Steps said: "LEE's priority at the moment is the band, and will be for at least the next year to 18 months.
"After that time he wants to see if he can make it in Hollywood, so he's looking for an apartment."
(The Sunday People)



BUZZ RELEASED IN ITALY

STEPS latest album was released in Italy yesterday. It has the same art work and tracklisting as other European releases of the album. They may also be releasing IT'S THE WAY YOU MAKE ME FEEL over there as a single soon. Our Italian reporter Simone will be keeping us informed with how well it does over there.



BELGIUM CHART NEWS

Our Belgian reporter Charlotte tells us that Buzz has dropped down to No.19 in the Belgium album charts this week. So it's still doing very well there and STEPS will be back in Belgium on Thursday 17th May to do a pre-recording for a TV show



07.05.01

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR LISA AND JOHNNY?

Peter Watson, the Daily Mail's Atsrologer, looks at LISA And Johnny's stars to see what the future holds for them...

Popstar LISA SCOTT-LEE, a member of top band STEPS, is planning to marry her musician boyfriend Johnny Shentall. Can the stars tell us if this love match will be a hit?

Lisa Scott-Lee - Scorpio
Born: 5th November 1975

The moon allied to to neptune emphasises LISA's idealistic and rather dreamy ways. However, there is also a go-getting side to her, as shiwn by optomistic jupiter in fiery Aries playing a lead role in her chart. She knows that she must work hard to get what she wants - and kepp it. She'll take certain risks when she has to.

Johnny Shentall - Virgo
Born: 3rd September 1978

Once Johnny decides his direction in life ther can be no diversions. His planets are bunched together, suggesting single-mindedness. He likes to be looked at, and with Mercury in Leo he likes to be heard too. But he can be difficult to pin down, and in the back of his mind he plays out dreams that only he knows about.

Does this star attraction have staying power?

The intensity of this relationship stems from a close tie-up between Venus, Pluto and the Sum in their combined chart, and quiet moments are few and far between. Contact between the Sun in her chart and Uranus in his chart suggests that Johnny has woken LISA up to a life lived at breathtaking pace. Even so there is a great deal about this partnership they like to keep from the rest of the world.



H PRAISES STEPS' PA

To celebrate National Secretaries' Day, H paid tribute to STEPS' PA, Alan Jewell, in The Times Newspaper.
H says: He's a Jewell by name and a gem by nature!" So there you go!



STOMP NO.1 IN JAPAN

STEPS latest release in Japan, STOMP, has well and truly stomped it's way to the top! It's currently sitting pretty at the top of the Japanese dance charts.



BUZZ GOES PLATINUM IN BELGIUM

STEPS international sucess continues to flourish with the news that their third album BUZZ has now gone Platinum in Belgium...is there no stopping STEPS!



08.05.01

THE WAY THINGS COULD HAVE BEEN...

As yesterday was the official 4th birthday of STEPS being together as a group, we thought we'd take a look at the way it could have been if H and LISA hadn't been joined by FAYE, LEE and CLAIRE after all...

It's a fairy tale story of a handful of unknowns plucked from obscurity to make it big as Steps. The five members - H, LISA, CLAIRE, FAYE, AND LEE - were picked from hundreds of hopefuls at a line dancing audition and with the help from Pete Waterman, shot to stardom.
But as the royalties from a string of hit singles and million - selling debut album begin rolling in, NOW reveals that this 'fairy tale' is not entirely true.
Only LISA SCOTT-LEE and H, real name IAN WATKINS, were picked at that first audition in November 1996. The original line - up included three other members, all of whom, despite months of hard work, haven't made any money from the groups success.
The trio - Mitch Stevens, Maddy Chan and Derek O' Brian - quit the band months before their debut single 5678 stormed to the top of the charts and were quickly replaced by FAYE TOZER, LEE LATCHFORD-EVANS and CLAIRE RICHARDS.
Speaking for the first time, Derek, 23, says "I'm glad i left. I couldn't have stayed with STEPS another day. I hated it. I couldn't stand the music."
The Manchester born singer, who went to school with Liam Gallagher adds: "We worked rediculous hours and didn't make any money. In fact, my seven months with STEPS left me £1,000 in debt. While we did all the hard graft, our replacements have reaped the rewards. The way I see it, they owe me £1.000."

But not only were three of the present line - up not there at that first audition, but the men responsible for picking them have been conveniently erased from the official STEPS story.

Most people assume the group - famous for hit singles TRAGEDY and ONE FOR SORROW - was the brainchild of pop svengali Pete Waterman. In fact, it was the invention of music manager Steve Crosby and musician Barry Upton, Waterman only got involved a year later.
Crosby, who was closely involved with the line - dancing phenomenon that sprung up mid '90s, decided to put together a group to represent the growing craze. Together with song writer and musician Upton, he went into a studio in April 1996 to compose some tracks.
"The result was 5678," Crosby says, "We knew it was a hi and decided to put a band together to record it. We spent £100 putting an advert in the stage to find it."
Having hired a hall n Ewell, Surrey, he asked choreographer Ruth Lambden to come up with some dance steps.
On the big day in November 1996, around 300 people turned up at the hall. The end result was Derek, Mitch, H and LISA.
"LISA particularly stood out, but I was pleased with all of them," Says Crosby, whose new band Scooch recently signed to EMI.
The five were soon reheasing seven dayz a week. Several record labels showed interest in them and one even suggested a Eurovision song Contest launch, but within the band there was a lot of dissension.
While Crosby puts this down to "amicable unrest," Derek puts it down to their credibility and working conditions.
"I wasn't happy," he recalls, "I was doing something i didn't believe in and there were too many restrictions. We weren't allowed boyfriends or girlfriends and then we were ordered to cut down our drinking and let nights or get out. I decided on the latter."
Derek, who's trying trying to make it with a new band Hyperbreed, adds "They tried to make me sign a contract, but i laughed at it.
H signed the contract straightaway - I dont think he even read through it. He just wanted to be famous. LISA signed it eventually, but only after negotiating her own terms.
Even though I ran into debt, we always made sure we went out at night and had a good time together. LISA was the best of all. She's a real party girl. But we always managed to get up for reheasals in the morning.
H was a real goody goody and always wanted to get to bed early. He was so keen on making it that he used to get up early to practice all the routines. He even used to get upset when we stopped for a cigarette break, saying 'This is my career you're messing with.'"

Things came to a head after seven months, just as the band were being suggested for the Eurovision Song Contest. "I couldn't take it anymore" says Derek "I sat down with the management and said i didn't believe in the music and couldn't meet their expectations."
Within days, Maddy and Mitch had also given their notice, Maddy to work on other musical projects and Mitch to be a backing singer with indie band St Etienne.
"I was sorry to see them leave," says Crosby, "but we had to have complete commitment."
Three weeks later he put another ad in the Stage. A week after that FAYE, LEE and CLAIRE were introduced to H and LISA.
After a series of showcase gigs - one specifically for Pete Waterman, who guided Kylie Minogue to success - the band was signed by Jive Records, under Watermans guidance. The rest is History.
So who knows what STEPS would have been like if the original five had stayed - would they be as successful as STEPS are now? But what would the world be like with out CLAIRE's Stunning singing voice, LEE's looks and FAYE's hair styles and all round stunningness, who knows? But everything happens for a reason, and FAYE, CLAIRE, LISA, H and LEE are best of friends now and thats how it was meant to be.
(Now magazine)

NEW ZELAND CHART NEWS

Stomp has failed to chart inside the NZ top 50! With
little copies available, and no promotion, its a flop!
Steps last single Say You'll Be Mine missed the top 50
also. After The Love Has Gone also failed - but hit
#54! Their biggest singles have been Tragedy (#1) and
5678 (#2).
(Chris New Zeland Reporter)



HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO H

We'd just like to wish the most gorgeous and hyper man on the planet (Sara's words not mine!) a very happy 25th birthday! And we hope that he gets everything he wished for.



STEPS @ DISNEY AWARDS

STEPS will be performing at this years Disney Awards,at the Docklands Arena in London. Other acts confirmed are *NSYNC, A1 & Westlife. Tickets are on sale now and are available at £16.50 each or £55 for a family of four. Doors open at 1pm for a show start of 3pm.



10.05.01

LISA TALKS ABOUT HER SEXY PICS AND WHY H KEEPS PINCHING HER BUM!

What's up with Steps right now?

Very good, thank you. We are just in the studio putting down some songs for our Greatest Hits album and our third album "Buzz" is just out in Asia. The idea behind it is an international album with a more international sound. And hopefully the people in Asia are going to love it.

The international release for the "Buzz" has a more serious looking cover. Are Steps planning to shed the teen pop image?

Well, we are not trying to shed our teen pop image. The thing is our music is for young people, all kinds of people. We are a little bit older than we were on the last album. Therefore, we have grown up a little bit.

You have written a track called "Never Get Over You" with Ray Hedges and Nigel Butler on "Buzz." Is songwriting fun or is it just mind-boggling?

We love songwriting! We've been doing it for two years now and we've only just got our own songs on "Buzz." We are actually writing now for the next album. Ray is well known in this industry and he has worked with lots of people like Boyzone, B*Witched and people like that. He's magic and great fun!

You first Asian single, "It's The Way You Make Me Feel," is quite different from the old stuff Steps used to do.

Yeah. It's very different. The song is produced in Sweden and all five members are featured on the vocals. It's a nice change really. It's actually the band's favorite song and the video is fantastic. The video is set in the 18th century with period costumes... it's beautiful!

It seems like a lot of pop acts like to work with Swedish producers.

Well, it has worked for Britney, Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, Westlife... all these people use Swedish producers. The Swedish producers have a very high reputation throughout the world.

It seems to be a hard year for pop, with pop acts like Boyzone, All Saints and Spice Girls splitting up. What do you think the future will hold for Steps?

You know, like the Backstreet Boys, they sold millions of records on the first album and they are still going strong. They have longevity and that's what Steps hope for. We are very good friends. We are more like a huge family, brothers and sisters. We have a sense of humor and we are very ambitious. We've lots more of singles and lots more tours. So, lookout for Steps!

What do you think could have sparked off the Steps' splitting up rumor then?

It's completely not true! It's very upsetting that the English press can write things that are not true. It upsets us, the fans, and our families. We just want to make sure our fans in Asia will know that we are not splitting up.

From an artist point of view, are rumors better than no news at all?

Erm, I think it's good that people are talking about you rather than they stop talking.

Speaking about fans, what is the weirdest gift you guys have ever received?

H's got a strange fan in Asia. He's got some plastic cockroaches for him! You won't get it in England. But he's a very nice fan. They give us presents and such. They are really sweet people.

Being in the pop scene, are you guys worried about getting old?

Not really. There are lots of new bands coming up and of course they are younger. But we have been together for four years now. Just four years older.

Is there a song now that best describe your emotion state right now?

Probably our next single "Here And Now." We had a poll on our website and we asked the fans which song would they prefer to be the next single and they say "Here And Now." It's quite good really. You know, we are still here and we are still going strong.

You look great on the cover of "Loaded" magazine. What's your daily exercise routine and diet like?

Have you seen that? Well, I go to the gym. Slightly taken aback I don't realize you have that monthly over there!

Will you still pose naked after some magazines asked you to do it with the "girl-next-door" look?

Yeah... We've got lots of offers and they are very flattering. But we are not going to do all of them.

What if a magazine altered your photo like they did for Mel B? Will you just laugh it off or take legal actions?

Oh, if that happens to me? Erm, I think it's very wrong, what they did. I wouldn't be happy.

FHM sexy poll is here again. Do you think the Steps girls will be in the Top 100 again?

I don't know. I hope so!

What's your definition of sexy?

I think it's about feeling good about yourself. As they say, if you feel good on the inside, it will reflect on the outside.

How your brothers' band 3SL coming along?

They are very good, thank you. They are looking for a record deal and they are in the studio working on their new album. I'm very proud of my brothers 'cos they said I inspire them. I'm very supportive of them and I love them very much.

Do you think Steps will do collaborate with them on a song soon?

I would like to! Hopefully one day.

Reckon it will be along the lines of pop as well?

Yeah. I would have thought so. That's what Steps do best.

I heard that H likes to pinch your bum. Does he still?

Yeah. He still does! He's a very naughty boy!
(MTV Asia)



YOU'LL BE SORRY VIDEO NEWS

STEPS latest video, YOU'LL BE SORRY is currently showing MTV across the UK and Ireland. It should be available for you to request on MTV Request but apart from that you'll just have to keep your eye out for it.
The video should be on The Box from this Friday and there will be an exclusive look at the making of the video on GM:TV on Monday morning. (For more details on STEPS TV appearances check the diary page!)



STEPPY BITS

STEPS are in this months TV Hits magazine. As well as a brilliant poster of the fab five you can also read an in depth interview where STEPS talk about how they've grown up within the band and find out why LEE wants to break the US and CLAIRE doesn't!



11.05.01

STEPS SET FOR A CHAIN REACTION

Well there were rumours of it last year and it never came about, but H has informed Channel 4's teletext that STEPS will definately be releasing a cover version of the Diana Ross classic CHAIN REACTION as tehir Christmas 2001 single!
It is likely that the single will be included on the bands Greatest Hits album which is due out in September 2001.
Earlier this week H and CLAIRE told teletext that they have all already started writing new material for STEPS' fourth UK album!
So don't worry because STEPS ren't going anywhere for a long time!



FANS EDITED FROM VIDEO

The STEPS fans who were chosen to appear in the bands latest video, YOU'LL BE SORRY, will be sorry to learn that their appearances have ended up on the cutting room floor!
Over 50 fans were chosen to become extras in the video and many travelled from all over the country to the North London studios where the video was filmed.
According to Notorious Films, who directed and produced the video, the fans have been cut unintentionally and it was due to problems during the editing process.



NO TOUR VIDEO

Despite what STEPS spokesperson said last week - STEPS have confirmed that the STEPS Into Christmas Tour will not be released on video.
Unfortunately the tour was never recorded so ther is no way that we are going to be able to see a video of it.
Apparently their management and record company thought that it wouldn'y sell very well and would have a limited appeal to fans due to the Christmas theme that ran through the concert.



12.05.01

STEPS UNDER THE GRILL

We caught up with LISA, LEE and FAYE STEPS backstage at the Pops and gave them a good grilling!

TOTP: It was a great performance tonight guys. How many times have you been on TOTP now, d'ya reckon?
Faye: Phew! If it's been for every single then we've been on about 16 times. But sometimes we've done a couple of times if we've had a big hit.
Lee: It'sbeen lots - could easily be 20!

TOTP: Well, let's get into the fans' questions!

Q: Is there any chance that you could come and do a concert at my house? Im free next Sunday! - Evelyn Bridges
Lisa: Aw, that's sooo sweet! Send our love to her, but unfortunately we don't do house visits anymore.
Faye: We cause too much trouble up the streets, I'm afraid!

Q: The video you've just done for 'Here And Now' is very different to your others. Who came up with the idea for the video and what was their inspiration? - Laura Bennett-Hall
Lisa: It was a collaboration really. For our videos we all get together and talk about what we'd like with our managers and the directors. We read treatments of different ideas and then we all go, 'Yeah, let's do it'!
Faye: The re cent video's in two parts. Part A, for 'Here And Now', is in a maze which turns into this lilly pond which turns into a space ship! Then we go into part B for 'You'll Be Sorry'. We've always wanted to do something with space ships so it was great fun.

Q: Since you debuted with '5, 6, 7, 8...' all those years ago, do you think that your music has changed pace slightly to appeal to a more mature audience? - Marc Copestake
Lisa: It's definately changed for the better.
Lee: I think we've got a bit more clubby, a bit more dancey. The first few singles had a '70s retro vibe, but these days our music has more of an edge to it. I think it's more in with the times now, to be honest.
Faye: We always had broad appeal and our audience has always surprised us. They've been from 4-year-olds to 94-year-olds. Sometimes you just want to be able to do a really cool, clubby kind of song and I think 'You'll Be Sorry' is one of them.

Q: Who was the ugliest baby and who was the cutest? - Abe from New Zealand
Faye: I was a damned ugly baby.
Lee: I was a very dark baby.
Lisa: Did you have lots of hair when you were born?
Lee: No, I was bald!
Faye: I had ginger hair and my Mum took me home and said: 'I took you home because someone had to love you!'

Which other pop group do you find most annoying and why? - Michael Mackie
Lisa: We're quite diplomatic really, 'coz we think that we're all out there and if another band has had good luck then good on 'em! We're not going to slag people off because we dont want it done to us.


Q: Who makes your clothes? - Mia
Faye: We've been going through different sylists all the way along Steps' life. At the moment we're working with a girl called Faye and Michael, who does a lot of sewing for us. They've been doing some great new stuff. Some of us have an idea in our heads and draw a design, some of us are inspired by the catwalk and some of us just say, 'Make it and I'll wear it!'

Q: This one's for Lisa. Does the name Mr Vitti ring a bell? Thought so. I also had him as my drama teacher in Wrexham, Wales! - Mikel
Lisa: Yeah, completely! He ran the Little Theatre, a Saturday theatre school that I used to go to. We did loads of plays and pantomimes and stuff. I started very young and I still have a lot of friends from that era. He was so encouraging...got me singing and dancing and played a big part in what I do now. I always looked up to him and I still see him now. Say thanks to that person for that question!

Q: Why did you pose for FHM magazine? - Ian Skidmore
Faye: Why not! We were asked to do that a long, long time ago. Pop groups do get approached to do stuff like that all the time and it's great promotion, but it's always really scary doing the photos... even scarier than doing live TV. Sometimes they ask you to be sexy and stuff like that and you just don't feel like it a 11 in the morning! But we had a good time and helped each other out.
Lisa: We held each other's hands!
Faye: Normal photoshoots are fine 'cos we have our clothes on!

Q: What's the most money you've spent on clothes in one week? - Sara Smith
Lee: I've spent £3,000 in one day. I went on a shopping trip with H in London.
Lisa: That's good for Lee! I spent £3,000 on a coat once. I like freebies! I know I'm going to sound really tight, but there's nothing better than having some stylist send you a top or something.
Lee: That doesn't happen often in Steps' world, by the way!

Q: My question is deep and probing. Marmite; love it or hate it? - Harrison
Lee: Hate it!
Faye: Love it!
Lisa: Hate it!

Q: How long does it take you to get ready for a TOTP performance?
- Rachel R
Lisa: Itdepends on the person, really. It doesn't really take me that long...Today I was quick 'coz my my hair was done and I did my eyes on the way here. And we don't mess around when we're dressing up either.
Faye: Claire takes the longest. She enjoys being pampered and sits in the chair and has the full treatment!

Q: What do you say to people who call Steps babyish? - Lisa
Lisa: Babyish! Well to be honest, we do have younger fans...we have kids, parents and grandparents too. I think people think we're just for young people. We're a family band for everyone and no one's too old to join in!

Q: Are you going to release 'Happy Go Lucky'? It's one of my favourites on the album -Kelly McKay
Faye: 'Here And Now' and 'You'll Be Sorry' are the last singles off this album. But thanks for saying you like it, we love it too!

Q: I've heard you're splitting up at the end of the year. Will any of you pursue a solo career? -Sophie
Lisa: We're not splitting up! We've got our 'Greatest Hits' coming out at the end of the year and we're writing songs for our album after that. We've all got hopes and dreams for the future. Lee wants to be an actor...we want to do everything!
Faye: It depends what door opens first but at the moment the priority is Steps and we're not going to turn anything down while we're doing so well.

Q: Are you going to add different songs to the 'Greatest Hits' album that haven't been released as singles? -Charlotte Chaloner
Faye: Yes we are! And we've been travelling and writing with lots of different people and splitting up into different groups just to write. So there's lots of opportunity for us.

Q: Do you need to go to the toilet when you are on stage? -Nevada Wood
Lee: Only after I've had about 16 pints of water!
Faye: You have to be sure that you've gone before because that would be the worst thing...to be busting on stage!


Q: What can you do that no one else can do? -Stacie Cargill
Lee: I can balance myself on my hands with my feet out in front of me and do press-ups! I've never known anyone else who can do that, so that's my little party trick.
Faye: I've got quite strange hands! The knuckle-bone on my index finger and middle finger is quite far apart, which is quite minging. It's a bit wonky donkey!
Lisa: I can turn lights on with my feet and I open doors as well!
Lee: While walking on her hands...It came in very useful when she was a waitress!


STEPS FAN DAY!

If you would like to attend a very special day out for STEPS fans then read on!
For more info on this event please contact Dave at DAVIDPLILLIE@aol.com

Byrne Blood, Zomba Records, Bravado and indeed STEPS themselves are all aware
of this event and LISA has even commented on what a great idea it is. So far
Byrne Blood have given me two sets of genuine STEPS autographs to give away
with a promise of more before August and Zomba are looking into the
possibility of giving us copyright clearance to show STEPS video's free of
charge


The STEPSfan day will take place on Saturday 25th August 2001 at Legoland,
Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 4AY. The idea is to provide a safe and fun place
foresters fans to meet and have fun.

We have still to sort out the full programme, but at the moment the
provisional programme is as follows:

10am Legoland opens Guests to enter the park and make their way to the
Pavilions, our base for the day and night. Register, say hello and then you
are free to explore the wonders of Legoland.

2pm. STEPS video show in the Pavilions. Hopefully STEPS live at Wembley 2000
if we can obtain copyright clearance.

4pm. STEPS video show in the Pavilions. Hopefully STEPS the Next step if we
can obtain copyright clearance.

6-30pm Buffet meal in the pavilions.

7pm Park closes and all STEPS fans should be back in the Pavilions by now, if
not you have missed your food anyway.

7-15 Disco starts, Free STEPS give-aways for the lucky few. Plus Karaoke with
special guest singer and super-star known as Carl from the worldpop message
boards

Midnight Disco finishes and it's time to say your good byes.

We hope to cram loads more in, including even more STEPS videos, but every
time we add anything it adds to the cost and I don't want the tickets to cost
more than £22.

Legoland prices for refreshments are in line with most theme parks, around
£2-10 for a burger, with an extra 30 pence for cheese and £1-50 for a coke,
that's why our prices include a buffet meal in the evening, we also hope to
be selling a limited number of cans of soft drinks for around 50pence each
from the pavilions. We suggest you bring a packed lunch, you can leave this
in the Pavilions and return for it whenever you want.




13.05.01

CLAIRE SET TO STEP DOWN THE AISLE?!

Love's got a hold of STEPS babe CLAIRE RICHARDS' heart she has moved in with dancer boyfriend Mark Webb and they look set to get engaged. STEPS pals FAYE TOZER and LISA SCOTT-LEE have already said yes to their partners and it looks like CLAIRE will follow suit. STEPS singer LEE LATCHFORD-EVANS is also enjoying a romance. He was spotted dining out with glamour model Emma B.
(News Of The World)



THE FANS HIT BACK

Yesterday I recieved this e-mail asking if I could put it up on the site so here it is:

In march an advert appeared on the steps website asking for extras to appear in their new pop video for the song - you'll be sorry. i completed the form and emailed it to the company. A few days later my friend and i found out that we had been chosen. We then both travelled down to london to appear in the video. after spending nearly 2 hours having hair and make up done we got took in the studion and did 2 takes - didn't even get to meet steps. we then got packed off and were given a signed buzz card for our trouble. Today i saw the final result and none of the 60 or so fans appeared in the video. The explanation given was that there was editing problems. Most of the fans i have spoken to do not find this an acceptable excuse, I travelled from Scarborough paying almost £80 and having a day off college, to find out that the whole thing was a waste of time is quite gutting especially now i told all my friends that i was going to be in the video. Steps and their management know how much their fans love them so why would they do this to us? I KNOW MOST OF U R SHRUGGING THE FACT THAT WE RNT IN THE VIDEO BUT IM A BIT MIFFD AS U CAN TELL FROM MY LETTER WHICH I HAVE SENT TO WATCHDOG, BRYNE BLOOD (STEPS MANAGEMENT) AND NOTORIOUS FILMS. IF U WUD LIKE TO B INVOLVED IN MY PETITION TO GET A DECENT EXPLANATION PLZ EMAIL ME matt_baxter@talk21.com
thanx
spike



14.05.01

CLAIRE DENIES MARRIAGE RUMOURS

CLAIRE has denied rumours that she is set to marry her dancer boyfriend Mark Webb. Tabloid newspaper, The News Of The World, reported yesterday that CLAIRE and Mark had moved in together and were about to get engaged, but today on GM:TV, CLAIRE set the record straight saying "I only heard about it this morning, but it's definately not true, I don't know where they got it from." While band mate LISA joked "She's trying to copy us!", refering to herself and FAYE who are engaged to their partners.



GREATEST HITS TOUR BOOK

FAYE revealed that STEPS have got another official book in the pipeline. Apparently the book will be about their Greatest Hits Tour which takes place across the UK at the end of the year and will include all the behind the scenes gossip and loads of great new pics!



16.05.01

FAYE AT THE PROMS

CBBC Proms in the Park will take place this year on Sunday 16th September in Hyde Park, London. Hosted by our very own Simon Thomas and Matt Baker accompanied by FAYE from STEPS. The BBC Philharmonic will be joined by the Tweenies and Brits Best Newcomers - A1.

The Information and ticket line is 0870 533 4333 and you can click onto the website for further information at: www.bbc.co.uk/proms/park/cbbc.shtml.



GREATEST MUSIC FREEBIE EVER

There's only 3 days to go to the world's greatest ever music giveaway ... and pop stars STEPS are just one of many top acts who just can't wait.
The Sun and News of the World newspapers, Coca-Cola and diet Coke have joined up with the British record industry to launch music4you.
All summer long you will be able to collect tokens which will give you CDs, musical instruments, concert tickets, clubbing gear and recording equipment - all for free.
This great giveaway starts in The Sun on Saturday when we will be printing the first tokens.
Plus in every copy of this Saturday's Sun there will be a fantastic 52-page music4you magalogue which tells you everything you need to know about all the
brilliant items and events you can collect for.

STEPS' stars FAYE TOZER, H WATKINS, LISA SCOTT-LEE, CLAIRE RICHARDS and LEE LATCHFORD-EVANS voted our magalogue a big hit.

H said: "It's brilliant! There's so much amazing stuff for music fans to get. We can't wait to start collecting."

Whatever type of music you're into - whether it's garage or grunge, rave or r&b, country or classical, we guarantee the biggest and best music giveaway of all time will appeal to you.
Look out in The Sun tomorrow for details of how you can start collecting. And don't miss our monster magalogue on Saturday.
In fact, to make sure you don't miss out on this hit freebie, order your copy of The Sun from your newsagent, today.

17.05.01

HERE AND NOW/YOU'LL BE SORRY RELEASE DATE PUT BACK

STEPS latest single HERE AND NOW/YOU'LL BE SORRY will be released a week later than originally planned. The single which was due to hit the shops on Bank Holiday Monday 28th May will now be held back a week until Monday 4th June.
No explanation has been given for the change, but STEPS last single IT'S THE WAY YOU MAKE ME FEEL was the centre of a row because shops had released it a week early due to a Bank Holiday and it ended ip entering the charts at No.72!



LISA POSTPONES WEDDING

Proclaiming their lurve in a snooty glossy mag hasn't stopped STEPS' LISA SCOTT-LEE and Johnny Shentall postponing their wedding. The pop couple were due to tie the knot next year but have put back the date by two years so Johnny can concentrate on getting Boom back on track!
(Channel 4 Teletext)



H TO PRESENT SM:TV

H will be joining Cat Deely and Lousie Redknapp to present this weeks kid's fave sm:tv. As well as th usual presenter duties H will be interviewing four people who must be extremely familiar to him, LISA, FAYE, LEE and CLAIRE, and then the whole band will be performing YOU'LL BE SORRY!
Then there's no rest fo the wicked as STEPS will then be on cd:uk to perform HERE AND NOW! (Check the diary page for more steptacular tv!)



18.05.01

LISA AND CLAIRE IN TOP 50 SEXIEST WOMEN IN THE WORLD

STEPS babes LISA SCOTT-LEE and CLAIRE RICHARDS have made the ftop 50 sexiest women in the world, in a poll conducted by men's magazine FHM.
LISA proved the most popular STEPS lady by far, by entering the poll at No.29, the highest ever postion that any of STEPS have reached.
All the girls have done brilliantly as the poll is notoriously difficult for UK pop acts to chart in.
FAYE didn't make it into the top 50, so at the moment we're not too sure of her placing in the poll, but we'll let you know as soon as we know.

The results were as follows:

LISA SCOTT-LEE No.29 (2000 No.79)

CLAIRE RICHARDS No.49 (2000 No.36)

FAYE TOZER No.? (2000 No.80)



YOU'LL BE SORRY VIDEO

The video to YOU'LL BE SORRY is now on The Box. You can request it by calling 0900 14 46 600 and selecting Box No. 850. HERE AND NOW is also available for selection, Box No. 182.
Another way to catch the video is to watch MTV's Top 10 @ 10, as YOU'LL BE SORRY has been featured in the chart all week.



STEPPY BITS

There's a double page STEPS inteview in this months issue of L&K magazine. The band talk about their hopes for the future in and out of STEPS and tell us why they are definately not quitting the group! There's also the songwords to YOU'LL BE SORRY.
Smash Hits is also out and includes the songwords to HERE AND NOW.
LISA, CLAIRE and FAYE are featured in FHM's 100 Sexiest Women of 2001 magazine out now!



19.05.01

H'S HECTIC MORNING

CLAIRE, LISA and FAYE popped into the café for a quick 'hello' between their hectic morning of SM:tv sketches, interviews and two performances. LISA showed off her beautiful diamond engagement ring and told us she reckons H is a tip-top presenter. H's bandmates aren't his only fans. The lovely Louise was also full of nothing but praise for her co-host, 'H is a natural,' she told us. 'And I can honestly say he is one of the nicest people I've ever met!'
(Worldpop)



STEPS BECOME ABASSADORS FOR MUSIC4YOU

STEPS have joined forces with The Sun Newspaper Group, Coca-Cola and a whole host of musicians including Hear'Say, Emma Bunton and a1 to bring us the Music4You Collection!
By simply saving tokens available in The Sun and The News Of The World you can get free CDs and all sorts of musical stuff!
But as if that wasn't good enough STEPS have agreed to take part in amusical master class where they will be passing on their tips for the top to budding young hopefuls desperate to follow in the fab five's footsteps!
During STEPS' hectic summer they will be taking time out to work as ambassadors for the Music4You campaign and fans will be able to post questions to all the members in an online Q&A session with the group, plus a small group of fans will get to meet STEPS at a special event to be announced later.
H said "A lot of people think becoming a popstar happens overnight but we've been working on our craft since we left school - and before."
FAYE adds "You've got to have ambition and really want it!"
And now STEPS will be passing on tht experience and information on to a group of fans later this summer.
H says 2We're really looking forward to working as ambassadors for Music4You! It's going to be great summer!"



STEPPY BITS

The HERE AND NOW/YOU'LL BE SORRY special has been updated so check that out!

You may remember last week that we told you about a STEPS Fan Day that STEPS fan Dave was organising, well there's been a few ammendments to the details so here they are, remember if you want totake part in the event to contact Dave on RnDsSTEPSCLUB@aol.com

There will now be a choice of ticket prices as follows:

Adults, over 16 WITH FOOD £22-00 WITHOUT FOOD £18-00

Children, under 16 WITH FOOD £18-50 WITHOUT FOOD £14-50

You should consider a few things before deciding, firstly the park closes at 7pm therefore there will be no food available to purchase after this time.
Normal admission cost into legoland alone are £18-50 for each adult and £15-50 per child so I think you'll agree which ever option you look at they offer good value for money.

Because I do not have the facilities to take payment by credit cards my accountants have agreed to do this on my behalf, but being typical money people they want 3% handling charge on every ticket they sell plus a 75 pence administration fee for every transaction. This will be charged to your card at the time of your booking. Please DO NOT e-mail your credit card details to me. I will give you a phone number to call if you want to e-mail me stating you wish to pay by credit card, please note we can not take debit cards or American Express

You can of cause send cheques direct to myself and all I will ask is that you send a stamped addressed envelope with your cheque. I would also ask you to e-mail me first to let me know how many tickets you require so these can be saved, I will then return your e-mail giving you the address to send your cheque to along with the name to make it payable to I will then reserve your tickets for 10 days.
Once again I must stress this is a genuine event and Byrne Blood, Zomba records, Bravado and STEPS themselves are aware of and indeed STEPS themselves are very interested. Jan (LISA'S Mum) phoned me during the week to say LISA has promised to try and find a few more goodies to donate as give-aways
during the day.



20.05.01

CLAIRE'S IN A WEBB OF LOVE

Claire Richards boyfriend Mark Webb surprised her on their anniversary by taking her out fora swish meal. The couple hit the town on Friday night to celebrate their first anniversary together.
CLAIRE told me: "It was all a surprise. Mark just told me to wear a dress and be ready at 7.30pm."
I reckon he'll make an honest woman of her by the end of the year...
(The News Of The World)

GREATEST HITS TOUR NEWS

STEPS have revealed that their Greatest Hits Tour 2001 will kick off on Saturday 24th November 2001 at the Sheffield Arena and there will be a total of 20 dates in all (probably more to be announced nearer the time though!)
Tickets will be on sale on the 25th May 2001.



21.05.01

TICKET DILEMA

We're in a bit of a quandry about the offical release date for the tickets for the Greatest Hits Tour! Yesterday's News Of The World featured an article with the fab five and stated that the tix will be on sale from this Friday, this was also confirmed by Manchester Key 103, however the very lovely Miss Richards later appeared on Top Of The Pops Plus to tell us that the tix will now be on sale from the 4th June to coincide with the new release date for HERE AND NOW/YOU'LL BE SORRY. So basically if I were you I'd keep an eye out on both dates!



GREAT NEWS FOR WELSH STEPPERS

There's some brilliant news for all Welsh Steppers...STEPS will be coming to Cardiff on their next tour! Yes H nad LISA will be returning to the green, green grass of home and bringing FAYE, LEE and CLAIRE with them! Other destinations on the tour already confirmed include Manchester, London and Sheffield.



FHM POLL UPDATE

Well we've finally got the results from this years top 100 sexiest women poll:

LISA (29)
CLAIRE (49)
FAYE (56)

All three girls feature in this months FHM magazine.



STEPPY BITS

A mag you should all get your hands on is this weeks Star magazine which features a whopping 6 page interview and photo special with the band! Look out for the pics on the site later this week!



23.05.01

GOLD TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED

STEPS have announced details of a forthcoming Gold Tour, which will take place in the run up to Christmas 2001. The dates are:

Sheffield Arena (24 November)
Glasgow SECC (27)
Newcastle Arena (1 December)
Wembley Arena (6)
Birmingham NEC (11)
Cardiff International Arena (15)
Nottingham Arena (18)
Manchester Evening News Arena (21)

Tickets are priced £21 (£22.50 for London) plus booking fee and go on sale this Friday. There is a 24-hour ticket booking hotline: 0870 735 5000

LISA from STEPS says the band are very excited about the tour. 'Probably the best part of being in STEPS is having the chance to perform in front of our fans and getting the chance to meet them and say a big thank you for all the support they've given us over the years. Myself and H are really delighted that we'll have the chance to go to Wales on this tour but basically every night is going to be fantastic.'

STEPS' new single, a double A-side, Here & Now/You'll Be Sorry, is released on 4 June.

The band have denied that they are splitting up after this tour following rumours that this would be their farewell to fans and that a greatest hits album was due for release at the end of the year.
(Worldpop)



OVER STEPPING THE MARK

STEPS have taken a leaf out of Jennifer Lopez's book for ridiculous demands. Performing at the Laureus awards the five piece group have ordered a dressing room each - plus another communal one. STEPS obviously need all the preparation they can get to lip-sync a few hits.
(The Mirror)



PRESS PACKER QUIZZES STEPS

Sam, 11, was thrilled to be the Newsround Press Packer who met and interviewed Steps. Here's what he thought about meeting them.

How long have you liked Steps?
Oooooo... since they released their first album really - Steps 1. I liked the tracks on it - there're some good dancey tunes in there!

Who is your favourite member?
I think my favourite one was Claire before meeting them today but now I think Faye is my favorite after meeting them today. She was really friendly to me - the others were as well, but she was sitting beside me and was friendly. It was H, me, Faye, then Claire then Lisa and Lee.

What's your favourite song?
I think it's 5,6,7,8 - that was in Steps 1 - it's a good dance one.

What was it like meeting them?
Well, it went much smoother than I thought it was going to be and they were much more friendly. I thought I was going to be really nervous and I would just like muck up on the whole thing. I wasn't nervous though.

Were they how you expected them to be
No - they weren't! They were much much smaller than I thought they were going to be. I thought they'd have trendier clothes on like they were going to perform, not such casual clothes!

What did you really want to know about them?
I really wanted to know if they've performed in a pantomime or a show, 'cos I do that kind of thing. They said that they all had! H said he'd been Buttons!

What was your favourite answer?
The best answer was to my question "If you gave up singing tomorrow, what would your next profession be?". Faye said she wanted to do animation like the Muppets and Jim Henson stuff. Claire wanted to be a make-up artist and Lisa said she'd carry on song writing. Lee would go back to playing football and H said he'd work with special needs children.

What was the present you gave them?
I gave them a "From Cornwall with love" book which has photos of Cornwall sights in it! They were really really pleased!




24.05.01

STEPS APOLIGISE TO FANS OVER VIDEO

STEPS have issued an official statement to their fans regarding the YOU'LL BE SORRY video shoot incident in which fans were chosen to star in the video alongside STEPS but ended up being cut from the final edit.
The statement from the official site reads:

While we're on the topic of the You'll Be Sorry video the five of us would just like to say sorry to all of you that took the time and effort to come and take part in the filming of it.

Sadly during editing everyone soon realised that it simply wasn't going to work due to the large amount of computer generated graphics in the video. Because there were so many people on set the back grounds just wouldn't look right, so eventually the hard decision was made to not use the footage. No-one is to blame, it was just a problem that couldn't be overcome.

The last thing we wanted was to upset our fans, we love you guys. We hope that the day was still fun, that you can still enjoy the video and that being on set and taking part was still worthwhile.



LIVE AND CHATTING

STEPS will be answering your questions in an online chat on Saturday morning at 10.45am Simply go to the Live & Kicking website at www.bbc.co.uk/kicking/ and get asking!



26.05.01

STEPS GET CHATTY

STEPS took part in the Live & Kicking online chat today and helped clear up a few things.
On the subject of the next single CLAIRE revealed that I KNOW HIM SO WELL is a strong contender while H told us to keep an eye out for a cover of CHAIN REACTION.
They also revealed that the Greatest Hits album will possibly be called STEPS Gold to coincide with the Gold Tour (strong accents of ABBA Gold here I think!) and they hope to get in 3 weeks rehearsals before heading out on the road.
CLAIRE also told us that there will be more dates released for the Gold Tour, but they will be likey to be released nearer the time of the actual tour.
FAYE, LEE and LISA didn't stop to chat for long, but H and CLAIRE slogged on through the hundreds of questions from fans on their own so well done to CLAIRE and H!



STEPS GRUELLING SCHEDULE

As you know STEPS are on a gruelling promotional schedule at the moment to promote HERE AND NOW/YOU'LL BE SORRY nad today is an exceptionally busy one!
After filming L&K this morning in Glasgow, the band will be jetting back to present two awards at this evening's Soap Awards and then rushing off to perform a promotional set at g-a-y. No rest for the wicked then!



STEPPING OUT FOR THE SUMMER

We've got some summer concert dates to tell you about.

First up is the Heart FM 106.2 Derby Day Picnic held in Epsom on the 6th of June. If you're in the area make sure you stop by as the line-up is great! On the 10th of June it's the Power In The Park for Power FM, a concert held on Southampton Common, Southampton, Hants. It's on Sunday June 10th between 12 - 4pm. It's absolutely free to get in, so that's a concert not to be missed! On the 17th of June it'll be the Live & Loud Roadshow which is held in Glasgow. And on the 24th of June we'll be arriving at the Southern FM Party In The Park. More details on all of these with a reminder nearer the time.

Then there's Mardi Gras, the biggest gay festival in the UK. STEPS will be headlining the show on the 30th of June alongside Five, Atomic Kitten and Bjorn Again which will be absolutely wicked! Tickets are available now for £15 which is excellent considering all the things you get to do on the day! For more details see the website at - www.londonmardigras.com



27.05.01

STEPS CHAT TRANSCRIPT

LISA, FAYE, CLAIRE, LEE and H from pop sensation STEPS joined L&K for a chat to discuss their Gold Tour, the Greatest Hits album and answer all your questions!

To find out the goss about Steps, check out the transcript of our live chat that took place on Saturday 26th May.

David: How did you first meet?
Steps Lee: We were all really drunk in a bar.
Steps Lisa: No! It was an audition, and we didn't know each other, but we all became friends.

Tartan Totty: On your tour last May, H set a trend by flying and A1 & Westlife soon followed suit! Have you got surprises like that lined up for your next tour?
Steps Lisa: We're not telling anyone in case they copy us!
Steps Lee: See the show to find out.
Steps H: Tickets are on sale now!

Donna: Is there anything that you haven't done that you'd really love to do?
Steps H: Bungee jumping.
Steps Lee: Sky diving
Steps H: I couldn't sky dive! I'd have to be tied to something.

Weaver: Who's idea was it to have your latest video set in a maze and did you enjoy making it?
Steps Claire: The directors of the video wrote a script and presented to us and we really liked it.

Little Steps Fan: Which Steps song do they each like best?
Steps H: Here and Now
Steps Claire: and You'll be Sorry - out 4 June

Jodie: When you are preparing to go on stage who is usually the last to get ready,the boys or the girls?
Steps H: Every time it's Claire
Steps Claire: I do not! That's a fib.

Emma: What is the weirdest thing that a fan has done just to get a glimpse of you? Steps Lee: Hide in the showers
Steps H: Someone put a camcorder through my mum's letterbox!

Hardy: On your Greatest Hits album will it just be the singles or will there be a few new tracks?
Steps Faye: It'll be a mix, we're actually writing some new songs which will be a surprise.

Vince: Do you think downloading music from the internet is a good or bad thing?
Steps Faye: That's difficult. A lot of people benefit from being able to access it, but the record companies lose money and can't create new acts because of the loss.

Ellen: Is it true they plan to take a year out after this next tour?
Steps Claire: We've got lots of future plans, but we don't know what we're doing next year.
Steps Lee: We're waiting for some answers from American
Steps Lisa: We might get 2 weeks off!
Steps H: I doubt it!

Kevin: Is there any plans to release 'R Dancin''?
Steps Faye: A big thank you for mentioning that song! There are no plans as yet, but we'll see.

Charlie: When you're touring (which you do very well!) which arena has the loudest crowds?
Steps Claire: Mostly up north - Manchester and Glasgow.

Steps 5678: You've just announced tour dates and tickets went on sale on Friday, will any more dates be announced?
Steps Claire: There will more dates announced towards Nov/Dec.
Steps Faye: If they sell out! More will go on sale.

Sandra: If there was any job in the world you could do, what would it be and why? Steps Faye: Be in STEPS!
Steps Lee: I'd like to be a spaceman! An astronaut for a month and see what it's like.
Steps H: I'd like to operate a puppet!

Vince: What songs do you sing at karaoke?
Steps Lisa: I always sing Black Velvet and that was my audition piece for Steps. Steps Claire: I Will Always Love You and I Wanna Dance with Somebody for my uptempo tune.

BBC-Host Lisa, Lee and Faye have gone to play the leakiest sink, but they'll be back soon.

Jessica: What's the best thing about being in Steps?
Steps Claire: Getting up on stage, being on tour, singing and performing
Steps H: and getting everyone to enjoy themselves as much as we do!

Phil: What is your fave chart song of the moment?
Steps Claire: I love S Club 7 - Don't Stop Moving.
Steps H: I like Emma Bunting's song.

Simone: Will you be coming back to Italy to promote Buzz?
Steps H: Hopefully. We are definitely going back to Europe, but we don't know when.

Kylie and Lauren: What short of music do you like to listen to?
Steps Claire: R&B, Destiny's Child, laid back stuff.
Steps H: If I like a song I listen, no specific artists. But I got Janet's new one and Jennifer Lopez.
Steps Claire: If H likes a song he listens to it over and over and over again!

Cari: Who are your greatest influences?
Steps H: Claire is mine!
Steps Claire: My first musical influence was the Carpenters! So Karen Carpenter. Steps H: Five Star and musicals cos I did a lot of theatre when I was young.

Adel: What is your favourite dance routine?
Steps Claire: Better the Devil - I really enjoy that.
Steps H: Here and Now and You'll Be Sorry - they're quite hard and I enjoy a challenge.

Niki: It's been rumoured that you're covering Diana Ross's "Chain reaction" for your Christmas single - is it true?
Steps H: Watch this space.
Steps Claire: The Christmas single might be I Know Him So Well, I think.

Pink Pantha: Do you feel that Steps is a squeaky clean band or do you think it is quite ruff?
Steps Claire: I think we've been given the squeaky clean image by the media. But we're not rough people. We're sensible and we know when to play and when to concentrate.
Steps H: Our music may be squeaky clean, but we're not!

Emmalyn: Which one of you gets the most letters from fans every day?
Steps Claire: Difficult to say. Probably the boys cos the girl fans tend to write more letters.

Hollie: Do you like boybands like NSync?
Steps Claire: We love NSync and the Backstreet Boys! We're signed to the same label and we get there stuff for free.

Becky: How did you celebrate the bands four years anniversary?
Steps Claire: We weren't together that day so we text messaged each other. About a week later we got together to celebrate with some champagne!

Taylor: Who's idea was it to call your tour The Gold Tour?
Steps Claire: I think the Hits album was gonna be called Gold so we moved on from there. It was our manager's idea initially.

Jac: How long does it take you to prepare for a tour and do you need to take a long rest after it's finished?
Steps Claire: This time we have three weeks' rehearsal. We have a few meetings to decide costumes, set list etc.
Steps H: Normally, we finish right before Christmas and get just a couple of weeks off.

Julie: Do Steps have any plans to duet with any artist in the near future?
Steps Claire: I don't think so! It's hard to get five voices on a song as it is with equal status.
Steps H: Maybe we could do a charity record, though.

Vicky: H, when are you going to show us your six-pack?
Steps H: When I get one really. I'm working on it.
Steps Claire: Yes, it's a work in progress - more of a multi pack at the mo!

Toni: Have you got any pets and if so what are they called?
Steps H: Two cats from the rescue home. Dylan who's black and Hugo who's white.

Smiley: H, what happened to your funky monkey T-shirts?
Steps H: I've still got them, they're in my chest of drawers! I over used them a bit.

Billy: I am a massive Steps fan and I know that you are definitely not splitting up, so what are your plans for the future?
Steps Claire: We've got the tour at the end of the year, at the moment we're writing for the 4th album and Hits album, the 4th studio album will be out next year or the year after. We haven't planned next year yet, it's difficult cos we're so busy. But more tours, more albums, we're not going anywhere!

Here are Steps with a final word:
The new double-A side single Here and Now/You'll be Sorry is out 4 June. The album should be out around Sept. Come along to the tour, buy the album and thanks for chatting!



28.05.01

STEPPY DATES

Due to the fact that the release of Here And Now/You'll Be Sorry has been postponed until next Monday, STEPS have also postponed a lot of their TV appearances to plug the record.
We're trying to get all the new dates so that you don't miss a STEPPY moment so check the diary pages regularly as they'll be updates and changes quite often. We've added a few TV appearances and Live performances today so check them out.



SOCCER IN THE SUN

LEE, FAYE and LISA will be taking part in the annual charity celeb footie match Soccer Six today and they've certainly got the weather for it! Let's hope that all the guys do really well and at least one of them brings back the trophy!
LEE is playing for Ant and Dec's team while LISA and FAYE are on Cat Deeley's Ladies side.



WATCH NME'S STEPS INTERVIEW

Watch STEPS chat to music mag NME about politics, line dancing world records, Gary Barlow and why FAYE hates netball! To watch the interview go to :http://www.nme.com/NME/External/Features/Features_Interview/0,1420,30324,00.html

29.05.01

LEE BRINGS THE CUP HOME!

Yesterday LEE, FAYE and LISA took part in the Soccer Six football match at Chesea's Ground, Stamford Bridge, to help to raise money and awareness for Capital Radio's Help A London Child charity. Soccer Six has become a notable date in the music industry calender, attracting an unrivalled array of stars. Each year some of the biggest names in music, TV and sport have battled it out to win this prestigious tournament.
This year LEE was on the team of Geordie TV presenters Ant and Dec. Their team line up was:
Ant McPartlin
Declan Donnelly
Peter Beardsley
Michael Greco
LEE LATCHFORD-EVANS
Paul Worsley
Dave Staite
Phil Mount
Lino Carbosiero
Jonathan Wilkes

FAYE and LISA also played for the first time this year when they joined Cat Deeley's team 'The Sassy Six'
Their full team were:
Cat Deeley
Edith Bowman
Helen Chamberlain
Gail Porter
Penny Lancaster
Lisa Rogers
FAYE TOZER
LISA SCOTT-LEE

LEE's professional footie skills paid off because his team ended up winning the Men's trophy!
In a nail-biting final before thousands of people packed into the sun-baked stadium, LEE's team beat last year's winners, Rod Stewart's Vagabonds, 5-3!

Unfortunately FAYE and LISA's team didn't win and the women's trophy went to glamour model Jordan's team.



WATCH STEPS LIVE @ G-A-Y!

STEPS were back at their favourite London club G-A-Y for the launch party of their new single Here And Now/You'll Be Sorry on Saturday night, but if you missed out on the show, don't panic: you can catch the action right here and now on worldpop.

LEE, FAYE, H, LISA and FAYE performed a whopping seven-song set and worldpop has all the highlights. As well as playing their new double A-side single, the five-piece played hits Stomp, Better The Devil You Know and Tragedy and spiced things up by performing the dance remixes of One For Sorrow and Deeper Shade Of Blue.

STEPS' G-A-Y performance came straight after their appearance at the British Soap Awards where the group presented the first gong. Steps' G-A-Y show was watched by LISA's and FAYE's boyfriends Johnny and Jasper, Ben from a1, as well as all the G-A-Y clubbers. However, G-A-Y promoter Jeremy Joseph forbade the popsters from talking about the ceremony, as he wants to watch it in full when it is broadcast this week! However, STEPS' H did tell Jeremy exclusively that the band's next single, due out in September, would be Chain Reaction, a cover of Diana Ross' 1986 No 1 hit. The song will feature on STEPS' forthcoming Greatest Hits album which will feature four new songs.

STEPS will next be performing at G-A-Y this autumn to launch the release of their greatest hits album. Fans will be able to choose the set list for the performance by logging onto worldpop's official G-A-Y microsite closer to the time. Keep checking worldpop for more details about how to vote for the songs.



30.05.01

CARDIFF DATES SOLD OUT

We recieved an e-mail today to say that the Cardiff date on The Gold Tour has sold out, but an extra date has been added for the 16th December. We'll look into it and give you more info as we get it.



HERE AND NOW SUMMER OF LOVE SET FOR ASIAN RELEASE

STEPS next single due for release in Asia will be a double A side of their latest UK single HERE AND NOW and last year's UK summer anthem SUMMER OF LOVE. Both singles are taken from their third album BUZZ.



SEE STEPS @ CD:UK

STEPS will be performing their new single for CD:UK this Saturday morning and we are looking for some true fans to give FREE tickets to so that they can come and watch the recording!

Date: 02/06/01
Location: Waterloo, London
Time: 9.30am - 1pm
Age Restrictions: 16-25yrs

You can either e-mail me (Phillipa) WITH your phone number (phillipa@powerhousetv.co.uk) or phone me on 020 7287 0045 for more info.
(stepsofficial)



31.05.01

NEW DATES ANNOUNCED FOR CARDIFF AND WEMBLEY

STEPS have announced two new dates for their Gold Tour at Webley Arena and The Cardiff International Arena after both the original dates sold ou in less than a week!
The new dates are for:
7th December - Wembley
16th December - Cardiff
Tickets for the new Cardiff date are on sale now and the Wembley tickets go on sale tomorrow at 9.00am.


FAYE SINGS FOR JASPER

FAYE wowed audiences at a charity gig earlier this week when she went all indie on us and dueted with her fiancé, Jasper Irn's, band One. So will this start rumours that the bubbly blonde is to go solo? Faye says "I don't think I'm a strong enough person to go solo and I wouldn't go through this whole pop thing again.."
Mayebe after STEPS we'll see her go all rock chick and hook up with Jasper, but for now you'll have a hard job prising her out of her yellow lycra!
(The Daily Post)