The 90s pop sensations are getting back together – again. ALEX GREEN finds out why 2020 is the right time for their optimistic music
and also throws you back to the big ballads of the Steps days, which is really amazing.”
Steps have also recruited woman of the moment Sophie Ellis-Bextor, who captured the nation’s hearts with her Kitchen Discos during lockdown, as their touring warmup act.
“I loved them,” exclaims H when asked about those sessions, in which Ellis-Bextor filmed herself performing her hits as well as classics from home.
“She was literally multi-tasking. That was a masterclass. It’s the perfect marriage.”
Of the five members, H has commanded the most attention since their last reunion, competing on Dancing On Ice with professional skater Matt Evers as part of the ITV show’s first same-sex pairing.
When he was eventually eliminated, H issued the BBC and Strictly Come Dancing a challenge: “It’s your turn next.”
And a week before our conversation, the broadcaster responded, announcing boxer Nicola Adams as the show’s first celebrity to feature in a same-sex pairing.
“They were under pressure anyway but I just wanted to press that button a little bit more – a little bit harder,” recalls H. “It’s right they did do it. The world has changed... and the BBC need to reflect that. “I fought so hard for Matt and I to do that, but ITV championed me all the way. Right behind me.
“Nicola is going to smash it. She is a power house. And I am going to be there cheering her on.”
Lisa leans in conspiratorially. “I have to add that me and my fellow Steps are very proud of H,” she says. “Very proud indeed.”
What The Future Holds is out on November 27. Steps play Resorts World Arena, the NEC, on November 5, 2021.