Simon Cowell is set to join forces with Spice Girl icon Mel B and Jonas Brother singer Joe Jonas for a brand new show called Who’s In The Band, and a pilot will be recorded next week
04:48, 24 Oct 2025Updated 04:50, 24 Oct 2025
Simon Cowell is pictured at Britain’s Got Talent auditions this month in Blackpool, Lancashire(Image: Getty Images)
One of Simon Cowell’s new projects has been described as “a big two fingers up to ITV“.
Spice Girl icon Mel B and Jonas Brother singer Joe Jonas will work alongside Simon for the latter, which ex-TV presenter turned producer Richard Bacon says will be popular with teenagers and young adults.
But the Netflix series, Simon Cowell: The Next Act, has particularly excited the TV industry. It is believed Netflix executives “felt bringing a name like Simon in for a factual entertainment show was a power move for the network”. Another source said the programme will be “a big two fingers up to ITV” after the cancellation of The X Factor in 2021.
But a source close to Simon, who created the global X Factor franchise, has denied there is “a rivalry”. They added: “There’s no rivalry nor residual issue – Simon’s focus is entirely on new formats and discovering talent.”
The X Factor, though, was scrapped after nearly 20 years on British TV screens and, at its peak, attracted 10 million viewers on a Saturday evening. It was the launching pad for a number of top-selling British music acts in the last two decades, from One Direction to Little Mix and Leona Lewis.
But Simon, who is thought to be worth £475million, continues to work with ITV on Britain’s Got Talent, which is still a staple after more than 18 years. His latest ventures, though, on other networks have television circles excited, it is understood.
The source told the Daily Mail: “Success on Netflix would be priceless retribution against ITV for the way The X Factor came to a close.” This theory is rejected by Simon, born in Lambeth, south London, whose new show Who’s In The Band will be presented by K-Pop Demon Hunters star Rei Ami, 30.
Simon’s latest search for talent comes after the Britain’s Got Talent auditions was sent into chaos when he fell down another set of steps, making it the latest in a series of mishaps for the long-time judge.
He missed the first two days of filming in Birmingham after the incident, leaving producers to call in Stacey Solomon to temporarily fill his place on the panel. The star then later reappeared on the third day of auditions with a visible graze on his forehead, explaining only that he’d had “an accident.”
His absence was finally addressed during the show’s Blackpool auditions, when a choir made up of ambulance staff took to the stage. Amanda Holden joked: “I thought they might be here in case anything went wrong with you again because you were poorly last week.”
Alison Hammond has expressed her ‘relief’ at This Morning’s win at the NTAs last night after Dermot O’Leary said the show has been ‘through the mill’
Alison Hammond is ‘relieved’ at This Morning’s big win (Image: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
Alison Hammond has expressed her ‘relief’ at This Morning’s big win at the National Television Awards last night. The presenter, 50, provides cover on ITV’s flagship magazine show alongside Dermot O’Leary on Fridays and phoned into the programme after the big win to tell regular hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard just how grateful she felt that they had emerged victorious from the public vote.
The programme, which has aired on ITV since 1989, won in the Daytime category, having fought off competition from Scam Interceptors, Loose Women and James Martin’s Saturday Kitchen. The show managed to claim the title back after two years of losing out to The Repair Shop and The Chase.
Alison said: “I’m still buzzing from last night, what a brilliant night. It was just lovely. We hadn’t had it for two years running now and what’s so incredible is when our audience vote for us, we know we’re doing okay. It was just such a relief and we’re just so grateful that everyone picked up the phone and voted for us.”
The former Big Brother star has also made a name for herself interviewing A-List celebrity guests on the programme and has chatted to superstars like Britney Spears, Ryan Gosling and once ‘married’ The Rock on the show. But just before hanging up, she teased that she was off to interview Barbie star Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell.
Over the last few years, the show has been through numerous lineup changes following the departure of long-serving hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield. The duo, who began presenting together in 2009, first came under fire when they were alleged to have jumped the queue to file past Queen Elizabeth’s coffin in September 2022.
Then, Phillip, who first appeared on the programme in 2002 and initially presented alongside Fern Britton, admitted to an ‘unwise but not illegal’ affair with a younger colleague, and subsequently stepped down from the show and ITV altogether. Holly followed suit soon after security guard Gavin Plumb was charged in connection with a scheme to abduct and kill her.
The programme, which has aired on ITV since 1989, won in the Daytime category, having fought off competition from Scam Interceptors, Loose Women and James Martin’s Saturday Kitchen(Image: Getty Images for the NTA’s)
He was found guilty and last year was sentenced to a minimum of 16 years behind bars.
A litany of hosts like Josie Gibson, Craig Doyle, Rochelle Humes and Andi Peters took their place over a period of weeks before Cat and Ben were given the top jobs.
But speaking in the winners room after their victory, former X Factor host Dermot, 52, acknowledged that the show had been ‘through the mill’ over the last few years, reports Manchester Evening News.
He said: “There’s a team that have worked on the show since I’ve started who have had to endure an awful lot of s**t.
The former Big Brother star admitted she was ‘still buzzing’ at the win(Image: Getty Images for the NTA’s)
“And they have turned up to work every day with the greatest grace and professionalism and uncertainty, and they’ve never done anything but put their hearts and souls into this job.
“Two and a half hours of live telly every day is quite something, but to endure it under the spotlight of being on the front page of the news. This show holds a mirror up to Britain and it also tries to entertain.”
He also noted that the team was thrilled to win, as he added: “There’s never an arrogance about this. We’re genuinely humbled by it. It means an awful lot, especially for those people who have been through the mill.”
Jeremy Clarkson appeared to take a swipe at Stacey Solomon during tonight’s NTAs as Clarkson’s Farm picked up the award for Factual Entertainment show
Jeremy Clarkson was thrilled as Clarksons Farm picked up the award for Factual Entertainment show at tonight’s NTAs – and he couldn’t help but throw a dig in towards Stacey Solomon in the winners room after.
The former X Factor star had not one, but two shows nominated in the category. Both her BBC shows Sort Your Life Out and Stacey & Joe were up but despite double the chance, Stacey unfortunately didn’t take home a gong.
Heading onto the stage, the former Top Gear star thanked everyone, before apologising his trousers were falling down because he was taking Mounjaro.
Stacey and Joe presented The Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award(Image: Getty Images for the NTA’s)
Celebrating in the winners room after picking up the gong, the star said: “It’s great that a farming show can beat a house cleaning show,” seemingly referencing Stacey’s Sort Your Life Out.
It wasn’t the only dig he made, as he claimed that his team “worked way harder than anyone else in this room”.
After overhearing Magic Radio presenters Tom Price and Lucy Horobin discussing what big fans they were of BBC reality show Stacey & Joe earlier today, Stacey decided to ring in to say thank you.
Lucy asked about Stacey & Joe and Sort Your Life Out going head to head in the Entertainment category tonight, Stacey said: “They’ve put Sort Your Life Out and Stacey & Joe in the same blummin’ category for some reason.
The star claimed that his team “worked way harder than anyone else in this room”.(Image: Getty Images for the NTA’s)
“We’re up against each other which is absolutely ludicrous! But you know what I’m so grateful to just be going, it’s so nice to be shortlisted and nominated knowing that it’s a public vote.”
It’s not the first time Stacey has hit out at an awards show, memorably slating the BAFTAs earlier this year after she once again missed out on a gong.
The mum of five once again missed out on Factual Entertainment for Sort Your Life Out there, with Rob and Rylan’s Grand Tour taking the win.
Taking to her Instagram story the following Monday, Stacey said: “Good morning from the veg patch, about to do the morning water. We didn’t win a BAFTA and I know I’m supposed to take it gracefully like a champ but I’ll be honest I’m devastated.”
“I’m not handling it very well, I’m not taking it very gracefully. I’m devastated for our whole team like I’m so gutted for our team. Everyone got dressed up and were really hopeful because I think because they work so hard,” Stacey continued, as she said the Sort Your Life Out team deserved a BAFTA.
However, she clarified that she didn’t mean to say that others didn’t deserve a BAFTA as they “absolutely did.”
Joe Swash didn’t have much luck when he tried to give wife Stacey Solomon a present for Valentine’s Day but it made the family laugh
Stacey Solomon and husband Joe Swash remain a close and loved up couple(Image: Lia Toby/Getty Images)
It was meant to be a declaration of his love for wife Stacey Solomon. But Joe Swash left his partner and their family in stitches after getting a tattoo on his finger.
The tattoo is meant to show a love heart that Stacey uses on social media alongside the letter S as a symbol of his love. But once he put his wedding band back over the top, the tattoo looks very different.
Stacey and husband Joe Swash continue to do well and are loved by TV viewers thanks in part to their family reality show on BBC1 and their down to earth nature. A second series of BBC’s Stacey And Joe began tonight.
A close up of how the tattoo looks with his wedding ring on
Explaining how much he loves her, Joe, 43, tells viewers: “She’s got just the most morally moral compass. Is that a word? The most morally moral compass I’ve ever come across. I want to show Stacy how much I appreciate her, and I think the best way to do that is to use my body as a canvas. I’m hoping she’s gonna love it.
“It is all good intentions but things don’t ever work out how I expect them to.”
In the second episode Joe then gets a tattoo for Valentine’s Day to show his love for her, but when he puts his wedding band back on over the ink, it makes the tattoo look like a man’s private parts.
“It’s not as romantic as I thought it was going to be,” admits Joe. “I knew it looked like a p*nis, I just didn’t want to believe it. It is a bit like a Transformer, it starts off as a truck and then when you put the ring on it looks like a c*ck and balls. Are we allowed to say that on the BBC?”
Joe tries to take Stacey on a romantic sunset date away from the kids during the skiing trip.
After she is shown the tattoo, Stacey burst out laughing: “That’s not the same as mine. Why did you draw a p*nis.
“Start thinking of a bigger design. Why didn’t you just get the name?”
Stacey had previously got a tattoo for Joe on her finger in 2023, with his name spelled out and joked it was her “midlife crisis” moment.
Despite the odd looking tattoo, Stacey is still impressed by the gesture. Hugging Joe, Stacey says: “Being married to you is a constant turn of event when I feel special.”
This is not Joe’s first tattoo and he has now ended up with three tattoos, none of which are perfect. As he was getting the third one done he explained: “My experience with tattoos ain’t great, so I’ve got one on my back. That was like for my dad, it said, Protected in love from above’ but it reminds me of Shooting Stars[TV show] like the dove from above and also the tattoo, sort of like dips into my bum, so it is a bit like I have farted it out.
“The other one I got when I was on holiday with the boys. I got drunk on an 18-30s holiday, and my mate’s paid for me to have a tattoo, it says something in Hebrew on my hip here.
“I haven’t really looked into what it says. I can only imagine It’s not something lovely. Why? Why anything? Why did I trust my friends? Why was I so drunk? Where was my mum looking out for me?”
Stacey and Joe married in 2022 and have been together nine years. They have filmed more of their home life for the BBC. After rising to fame on the X Factor in 2009, Loose Women star Stacey has become a national treasure and is best known for her bubbly personality and as the Instagram DIY queen.
She keeps her social media followers in the loop as she has transformed Pickle Cottage into a family home.
As well as her dream home which features in the series, Stacey has the dream family life too with former EastEnders actor fiancé Joe Swash, and her five children; Zachary, 17, Leighton, 13, Rex, six, Rose, three, and Belle, two.
In the opening episode she told how she thought she has “had her last baby”.
The cameras showed their youngest Belle going to nursery. And Stacey admits she gets “sad” as the kids grow up.
“Another one flies the nest. All the kids are at school, and we can have a lot of fun,” says Joe before asking: “D’you think that’s our last baby?”
Stacey replied: “I think that’s our last baby, bubs.”
Joe said: “I think what we need to do is start looking forward to the future bits of the kids growing up instead of it being like ‘awww’.”
Stacey replied: “Yeah, that’s why I’m getting more animals, to be honest with you!”
* Stacey And Joe is on BBC1 on Tuesday nights at 7pm and available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
Brookside was the gritty soap that shocked the nation, smashed taboos, and made suburban cul-de-sacs the stage for explosive drama. But what happened to the cast?
13:01, 16 Aug 2025Updated 13:12, 16 Aug 2025
Brookside, the groundbreaking soap that shocked the nation and turned ordinary suburban streets into a hotbed of drama, was a staple of British television for over two decades.
The show, which first aired on Channel 4 on 2 November 1982, followed the everyday lives of its characters, dealing with everything from heart-wrenching break-ups to shocking crimes that reflected real issues in the UK. The Liverpool-based soap ran for an impressive 21 years before its final episode aired on 4 November 2003.
Created by Phil Redmond, Brookside was never one to shy away from controversial topics – it was responsible for the UK’s first pre-watershed lesbian kiss and tackled subjects such as domestic abuse, incest, and even a body buried under a patio.
Now, the beloved soap is poised for a comeback – featuring in an unprecedented crossover with Hollyoaks.
Brookside wrapped in November 2003(Image: Mirrorpix)
After Brookside concluded on November 4th 2003, Hollyoaks stepped up as Channel 4‘s premier continuing drama. The show began production on a portion of Brookside’s former set, which remains its filming location to this day.
As Hollyoaks gears up to celebrate its 30th anniversary this October, it plans to commemorate the occasion with a special episode that pays homage to both Brookside and their shared creator, Sir Phil Redmond.
The upcoming crossover episode will delight viewers with the reappearance of beloved, classic Brookside characters to celebrate this significant event.
But what became of the Brookside cast once the cameras stopped rolling? From heartbreaking losses to surprising career changes, here’s a look at where some of the show’s biggest stars ended up.
Dean Sullivan (Jimmy Corkhill)
Actor Dean Sullivan in the pressroom at the 5th Annual British Soap Awards in London on May 10th 2003.(Image: Getty Images)
Jimmy, a troubled drug addict turned teacher, was one of Brookside’s longest-serving characters. Portrayed by Dean Sullivan, he joined the series in 1986 and was involved in many major storylines.
Tragically, Dean passed away in 2023 at the age of 68 after a battle with prostate cancer, a diagnosis he had bravely shared just months before his death. He had been diagnosed in 2018 and had been receiving treatment.
Following his passing, fans and former co-stars paid their respects.
Sue Jenkins (Jackie Corkhill)
Sue Jenkins attended Dean Sullivan’s funeral(Image: Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)
Jackie Corkhill, played by Sue Jenkins, was the long-suffering wife of Jimmy Corkhill, enduring his emotional turmoil and schemes in many of the show’s most gripping storylines.
Since the end of the show, Sue has continued her acting career with roles in Coronation Street, Holby City, and Doctors, as well as theatre productions. Now 66, she is a vocal advocate for arts education and is married to David Fleeshman, with whom she has three children, Richard, Emily and Rosie.
Anna Friel (Beth Jordache)
Anna Friel as Beth Jordache with Margaret Clemence played by actress Nicola Stephenson.(Image: Channel 4)
Beth Jordache, portrayed by Anna Friel, became a cultural icon when she was involved in the first pre-watershed lesbian kiss on British television, a storyline that made international headlines. The episode aired in January 1994, also featuring Margaret Clemence, played by Nicola Stephenson.
Anna has since built a highly successful acting career on both sides of the Atlantic, starring in shows like Pushing Daisies, Marcella, and The Girlfriend Experience. Now 48, she is an award-winning actress and a regular on the red carpet.
She has been married twice and has one child.
Claire Sweeney (Lindsey Corkhill)
Claire Sweeney attends the World Premiere of “A Minecraft Movie” at the Cineworld Leicester Square on March 30, 2025 (Image: WireImage)
Claire Sweeney played Lindsey Corkhill, a member of the troubled Corkhill family, who found herself caught up in love triangles, dodgy dealings, and emotional confrontations. Lindsey started as a recurring character before being promoted to the regular cast in 1995.
Actress Claire shot to fame following Brookside, transitioning into musical theatre, releasing an album, and becoming a Loose Women panellist. She has recently made a comeback to the soap world with a stint on Coronation Street.
Earlier this year, Claire delighted Brookside enthusiasts as she returned to the West Derby houses where the programme was originally filmed. The 53-year-old shared numerous photographs and videos on Instagram from her impromptu nostalgic journey.
In her Instagram video, Claire revealed to followers that whilst she had visited the location the previous year, she had spotted a “beautiful little surprise” beneath the Brookside sign commemorating Dean Sullivan, who portrayed her on-screen father Jimmy.
Michael Starke (Sinbad Sweeney)
Michael Starke at Dean Sullivan’s funeral(Image: Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)
Sinbad Sweeney was a window cleaner with a heart of gold. He became a viewer favourite after joining the programme in 1984.
Actor Michael Starke subsequently featured in The Royal, Coronation Street, and even enjoyed a role in Benidorm. He has also established himself as a pantomime regular and serves as a dedicated ambassador for Liverpool’s cultural scene.
Now 67, his latest role saw him portray a taxi driver in Hollyoaks from 2021 to 2023.
Jennifer Ellison (Emily Shadwick)
Brookside actresses Jennifer Ellison, left, and Suzanne Collins, in 1999(Image: Mirrorpix)
Emily’s storyline concluded in devastating fashion, with her character’s tragic plunge from a window ranking among Brookside’s most shocking departures. Actress Jennifer switched gears to pop music, reality TV (Dancing on Ice, Hell’s Kitchen), and theatre, before launching her own dance academy in Liverpool.
She also starred in the West End and now leads a quieter life centred around family.
She is married to Rob Tickle and they have three children.
Jennifer’s married now with three kids
Louis Emerick (Mick Johnson)
Louis Emerick(Image: Lime)
Mick Johnson was the straight-talking single dad and mini-mart owner with a strong moral compass. He made his final appearance on 22 August 2001, having first appeared in 1989.
Actor Louis Emerick, 64, has continued his acting career in TV dramas and soaps, including Coronation Street and Doctors, and has performed in theatre tours across the UK.
Where are the others?
Several cast members left the industry altogether – some moved abroad, others stepped away from the limelight. A few, like Ray Quinn (who briefly appeared in the later years), reinvented themselves entirely.
Ray went on to become a singer and X Factor finalist, with a stage career.
Liam Payne fans have been left in tears just moments into Netflix’s Building The Band, his final project, which he filmed in the weeks leading up to his tragic death
Daniel Bird Assistant Celebrity and Entertainment Editor
13:13, 09 Jul 2025
Liam Payne fans in tears just minutes into Netflix’s Building The Band(Image: Netflix)
Liam Payne fans have been left inconsolable as his final Netflix project has been released. Building The Band, which Liam filmed for Netflix just weeks before his death, has finally been released on the streaming platform.
The programme will show Liam at his best, helping other emerging musicians discover their talent and helping them navigate life in a band. But following his heartbreaking death in October last year, there had been speculation as to whether the show would still air.
Netflix later confirmed that they had shown the programme to Liam’s family, who had given their blessing and had watched the entirety of the show. On the programme, Liam sits alongside pal Nicole Scherzinger, who helped create mega-band One Direction when she was a guest judge on The X Factor, as well as former Destiny’s Child singer, Kelly Rowland.
Building The Band’s AJ McLean shared a moving tribute to the late Liam Payne(Image: Netflix)
As the show opened, host and Backstreet Boys star AJ McLean shared a very moving tribute to Liam. He said: “When we came together to film Building The Band, we never imagined we’d soon be saying goodbye to our friend, Liam Payne.
“Liam is a guest judge in later episodes and through his presence, we see his deep love for music and his unwavering commitment to helping others find their voice. It’s through that spirit that we dedicate this series to Liam and his family.” Since the first episode dropped earlier today, fans have taken to social media to share their heartbreak and tears.
One said: “I’m already broken.” A second went on to add: “I’m not strong enough to watch the show. The last work, the last performance, the last smile… I can’t do it, not yet. My mind keeps dragging me back to the pain, to the brutal truth that he’s gone. Maybe one day I’ll be brave enough but right now I just can’t.”
Liam filmed the series weeks before his tragic death(Image: Netflix)
“I miss you so much, my love, wherever you are. I hope you’re being free and happy,” said another. Meanwhile, a fourth devastated fan typed: “You’re so deeply missed Liam.” Another commented: “Ahhh… I don’t think I can bring myself to watch Building The Band just yet. The trailer alone broke me, and I can’t even imagine how much harder the full show will hit. I’m sorry, Liam. One day, I promise. I’m so proud of you, and I know you were proud of it too.”
But in the first four episodes of the series, this is the only mention of Liam. As the credits rolled, the only judge who was named was Nicole Scherzinger.
As the fourth episode came to an end, host AJ revealed that the winning band would receive $500,000 as the cameras panned to Nicole and Kelly Rowland, with Liam being absent from the shot.
In October, Liam sadly died aged just 31, after falling from the third-floor balcony of his hotel room in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In the weeks leading up to his death, he had been in Manchester filming the series. Netflix had ensured that Liam’s legacy will be cemented on the programme and he will remain a firm key feature on the show.
A source said: “Even though Liam had filmed a substantial amount of material for the show, the decision was made shortly after his passing to continue the project, honour his legacy and amazing story as a One Direction member and bring this series to audiences.”
Building The Band episodes one to four are available to stream now on Netflix.
Liam Payne is seen in new Netflix series Building the Band filmed just months before his tragic death in Buenos Aires that broke hearts around the world
08:35, 09 Jul 2025Updated 08:35, 09 Jul 2025
Liam Payne with parents Geoff and Karen, after the X Factor final in 2010(Image: Express & Star / SWNS)
Liam Payne’s grieving parents gave the OK for his final project to be aired on Netflix just nine months after his tragic death for a heartbreaking reason.
Late pop icon Liam Payne’s parents were overwhelmed with emotion and pride seeing their son become a mentor on Netflix’s Building the Band that they wanted the world to watch.
In their grief, dad Geoff and wife Karen gave the green light for Netflix to air the show as they felt “this is how we want everyone to remember Liam.”
Liam’s friend and fellow judge Nicole Scherzinger, said the One Direction singer will “shine” in his final ever project as she revealed how the late star worked overtime to help guide musical wannabes on their journeys to form bands for the streamer.
He felt a kinship to the talent given he had experienced being an auditionee one moment and then within 18 months becoming part of the biggest boy band ever.
Nicole became emotional as she discussed her experiences working with the English star, who died of “polytrauma” after falling from the third-floor balcony of a hotel in Buenos Aires last October.
Nicole says viewers will see Liam Payne ‘shine’ in the new Netflix series(Image: Netflix)
She recalled how Liam sang a One D hit for his audiences and encouraged his fellow judges to perform tunes while on filming breaks.
Doubts were raised over the show moving ahead, but Nicole confessed that Liam’s parents felt his screen work needed to be seen and celebrated.
Nicole said: “Liam meant and means so much to all of us, and we were very obviously sensitive to the whole process. We ultimately left it into his family’s hands and wanted to respect how they felt about everything and how to move forward.
“And his parents were there during the filming. They were amazing. It was so wonderful.
“They were actually kind of sat right next to us through the whole process, and they’ve been with Liam and with us through this entire process.
“So to know that we had their blessing, to know that they were so proud of him on the show, they were like, ‘oh, yes, this is how we want everyone to remember Liam’”
Nicole, who famously put together One Direction on the X Factor series amid pushback from Simon Cowell, said of working with Liam: “I am so thrilled for everyone to see Liam shine on this show.
The series is hosted by AJ McLean (Backstreet Boys) with renowned artist Nicole Scherzinger (The Pussycat Dolls) serving as mentor and judge and music experts and guest judges Kelly Rowland (Destiny’s Child) and the late Liam Payne (One Direction),(Image: Netflix)
“I just know that he was in his happy place coming full circle, having started out in a similar situation on a talent reality show, and then having the global success that he has had, and then to be able to give back and to mentor and to help these bands. “I know that he really enjoyed our filming process and being a part of this process.
“I know that he put in the extra hours that he wanted to work with these bands even off screen.
“So when I think about Liam in the show, I’m thrilled for everyone to see his light. And he was amazing. Sometimes he would, I mean, I would be like, wow, ‘you just said that – that was awesome. I wish I said that. ‘
“He was really great at this role. He was giving back, and that’s one of his gifts.
“He was such a kind, caring heart, And like I said, and respect, he had the experience. He grafted with One Direction. He knows exactly what he’s talking about. “
Nicole recalled being sat alongside Liam as a judge was “crazy for me” because: “I still remember the day that I saw Liam auditioning on the X Factor we’re onto something.
‘But they did all the work themselves after that. And he had the global success that he had with One Direction in himself. It was a phenomenon, right? So for him to have achieved that success and then to be coming back and then giving that advice and mentoring these contestants was really cool for me to see.
“I don’t know if someone should write a book. It was really full circle and really, really beautiful.”
(Image: Express & Star / SWNS)
Nicole felt that many contestants had connections to her, Liam, with AJ McClean and Kelly Rowland.
‘It was awesome. It was really sweet, Liam, actually, I don’t know if the cameras were on or not, but when the cameras, when we were on a break, he actually sang. What Makes You Beautiful to his fans, because they were all freaking out that he was there. And he just loved it.
‘That was a special memory, and to be a part of that and to witness that,
‘Because the fans would make us do different things in the breaks.I sang, Kelly did something and then Liam talked us all tp put on a full show at concert. It was amazing. “
Nicole reflected on how she and Liam were perfect choices to judge the Netflix series.
“I started out really with a talent reality show and I was just myself. That’s the best advice I could always give is just leave with your heart and bring your balls of steel and let your talent speak for itself.”
Nicole spoke to US shows Access and ET to promote Building The Band.
Nicole, who just won the Tony Award for her portrayal of Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard, admitted that a Pussycat Dolls comeback is not being discussed.
It is the 20th anniversary of the band blasting into the charts with their debut hit.
“I can’t say anything right now. I’m still in Norma land, but I don’t think it’s off the table to say who knows what the future holds with the Dolls. “However when asked: “Do you all still keep in touch?”, Nicole played down the group rivalries and reacted: “Not currently.
“But I love the girls, And I guess in a weird way, if social media is keeping in touch when you’re liking and commenting on their socials, I guess that’s probably because everybody’s so busy and half of the girls, they’ve got children and everything and their own family, so they’re super busy.”
Every episode of Building the Band will be streaming on Netflix July 9.
X Factor icon Rowetta looks unrecognisable 19 years on as she stuns in a tartan miniskirt and thigh-high boots, proving her bold style is still going strong at 57
Simon Cowell once famously described Rowetta as ‘amazing but barking bloody mad’(Image: Stuart Vance/ReachPlc)
X Factor fans might do a double-take after seeing one of the show’s original stars looking completely different nearly two decades after finding fame.
Rowetta Satchell, or simply Rowetta, as she was known to millions, was one of the standout acts on the very first series of The X Factor back in 2004. The powerhouse soul singer wowed judges with her unforgettable take on Lady Marmalade, and her bold vocals and big personality quickly made her a fan favourite.
Already known from her days with legendary band Happy Mondays, Rowetta made it all the way to the quarter-finals of the ITV talent show, finishing fourth overall and becoming the last woman left standing, without ever facing the dreaded sing-off.
Shaun Ryder and Rowetta Satchell of the Happy Mondays perform live on stage in 2012(Image: Redferns via Getty Images)
Fast-forward 19 years, and the 57-year-old is still commanding attention. Rowetta recently turned heads as she posed in a tartan miniskirt and leopard-print thigh-high boots on her way to an Indie Reunion event. She paired the look with a statement tee reading, “The ravers united will never be defeated.” She told fans she was “on my way.”
X Factor icon looks completely different two decades on from hit reality show(Image: Instagram/ @rowetta)
Simon Cowell once famously described her as “amazing but barking bloody mad”, and it’s fair to say her bold style and fearless energy haven’t faded one bit.
In an interview with Metro.co.uk, the singer opened up about her journey on the ITV competition, her music career, and why she never returned to reality TV despite being flooded with offers.
According to Rowetta, after The X Factor propelled her to TV fame in 2004(Image: Instagram/ @rowetta)
According to Rowetta, after The X Factor propelled her to TV fame in 2004, she turned down shows like Big Brother and I’m A Celebrity, only making exceptions for Children in Need and BBC Music Day.
Rowetta’s journey began in Leeds when Kate Thornton introduced her to the judges before live auditions were part of the show’s format. Her renditions of Lady Marmalade and Circle of Life wowed Simon and Sharon from the get-go.
She said she was grateful not to win because she and Simon Cowell had a difference of opinion on the final single.
Adding: “I think it would have been a disaster to win it, and then have to bring out songs like that. I love funky stuff. I don’t want to be doing Somewhere Over The Rainbow for the rest of my life.”
Rowetta said her reason for doing the show was her grandma, who encouraged her to be on TV like the singers she watched. Her career since has included collaborations with the likes of Solardo, Todd Terry, Oliver Heldens and Shed Seven.
A proud Mancunian, Rowetta loves being a role model on her local music scene, often performing at Manchester Pride. She said that when she was growing up, “there was no one to look up to from Manchester that was Black and female.”
Last year, in December 2024, it was announced that Rowetta would be leaving the band. The announcement came amidst speculation about past feuds with band member Shaun Ryder. In February this year, MailOnline reported Rowetta sharing that she has allegedly been physically abused by Shaun.
British pop star Liam Payne’s final TV appearance is finally on the horizon, less than a year after he died suddenly in Argentina.
Netflix on Tuesday released the trailer for its upcoming singing competition series “Building the Band,” which features the late One Direction singer as one of its guest judges. The series, set to premiere July 9, could bring a sense of closure for fans of Payne, who began his singing career as a contestant on the competition series “X Factor.”
In the teaser, Payne offers his wisdom to aspiring singers, urging them, “I need to feel the connection between you guys.” The singer knew a thing or two about group chemistry: during his second “X Factor” foray in 2010, judges Simon Cowell and Nicole Scherzinger decided Payne should join fellow contestants Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson to form One Direction. Despite losing the crown, the quintet went on to become a pop sensation best known for songs including “What Makes You Beautiful” and “Story of My Life.”
“Building the Band” reunites Payne with Scherzinger, whose role is judge and mentor. Destiny’s Child alum Kelly Rowland also serves as a guest judge. Backstreet Boys singer and Payne’s friend AJ McLean is the show’s host. The series features 50 singers who work with the veteran musicians to form six bands.
Netflix confirmed Payne’s posthumous appearance earlier this month as it released a first look and announced the series’ premiere date. The streamer wrapped production on “Building the Band” before Payne’s death and received support from the singer’s family to push forward. Payne’s “family reviewed the series and is supportive of his inclusion,” Netflix said in a statement to Deadline.
Payne died Oct. 16 after falling from a balcony at a Buenos Aires hotel. He was 31. Shortly after his death, officials determined the singer died from multiple traumas and internal and external bleeding caused by the fall. Officials announced in December that Payne also had traces of alcohol, cocaine and a prescription antidepressant in his system when he fell.
Two hotel workers and Payne’s friend Rogelio “Roger” Nores were three of five people charged for their alleged involvement in the singer’s death but were cleared of those charges in February. Appeals court judges ruled at the time that Nores did not have a role in Payne’s “obtaining and consuming alcohol” and that he could not have taken actions to prevent Payne’s death.
The two remaining suspects — charged in December with allegedly supplying Payne with narcotics before his death — will stand trial, officials announced earlier this month.
