Steps (pop group)

Steps

Company type	Musical group
Industry	Music
Founded	1997
Headquarters	United Kingdom
Products	Albums, singles
Number of employees	5 (members)

Steps is a British dance-pop ensemble consisting of Lee Latchford-Evans, Claire Richards, Lisa Scott-Lee, Faye Tozer, and Ian "H" Watkins. Established in 1997, the group secured two UK number-one albums and achieved 14 consecutive UK top-five singles, including two chart-toppers (one being a double A-side). Globally, they have sold in excess of 22 million records, with 15 million of those being albums. In 1999, they received a BRIT Award nomination for Best Newcomer and served as the opening act for Britney Spears during her inaugural American tour that same year. Following the departure of Richards and Watkins to pursue a duo project, Steps officially disbanded on 26 December 2001. Their second-to-last single reached number five on the UK charts, while their final album, Gold (2001), marked their second UK number-one album.

In May 2011, Steps reunited for a four-part documentary on Sky Living titled Steps: Reunion, which began airing on 28 September alongside the release of their second greatest-hits compilation, The Ultimate Collection. This album debuted at number one in the UK, becoming their third chart-topping release. The follow-up series, "Steps: On the Road Again," aired in April 2012 and chronicled their sold-out 22-date UK tour. On 24 September 2012, they announced their fourth studio album, Light Up The World, which was released on 12 November 2012, followed by a six-date Christmas tour.

The band came together once more on 1 January 2017 to celebrate their 20th anniversary and released their fifth studio album, Tears on the Dancefloor, in April of that year.

Their sixth studio project, What the Future Holds, was launched on 27 November 2020, preceded by three singles: the title track "What the Future Holds", "Something in Your Eyes", and "To the Beat of My Heart". In 2021, Steps unveiled their seventh studio album, What the Future Holds Pt. 2, featuring ten new songs alongside four stripped-back versions with refreshed arrangements. Their third compilation album, Platinum Collection, released in August 2022, debuted at number one in the UK. This achievement made Steps the first British mixed-gender group to secure four number-one albums across four different decades.

According to data from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), Steps has certified sales amounting to 5.1 million albums and 4.8 million singles within the UK.

1997–1999: Formation, breakthrough success and Step One

Steps were assembled by Steve Crosby and Barry Upton, co-writers of "5,6,7,8", alongside manager Tim Byrne following auditions prompted by an advertisement in The Stage newspaper. Byrne brought experience from producing the Smash Hits Poll Winners Party, a collaboration between BBC and pop magazine Smash Hits.

The initial lineup featured Watkins, Scott-Lee, Derek O'Brien, Maddy Chan, and Mitch Stevens. However, O'Brien, Chan, and Stevens departed due to uncertainties regarding the group's long-term viability. Subsequent auditions held on 7 May 1997 resulted in adding Faye Tozer, Lee Latchford-Evans, and Claire Richards as permanent members.

The band's name was chosen strategically to highlight that each member’s choreography would be accompanied by dance steps included with their singles.

Their debut single "5,6,7,8," a techno-infused line dance track, gained international recognition despite reaching only number fourteen in the UK charts. It remains one of the best-selling singles never to break into the UK top ten and became their first number one hit in Australia in 1998.

Tim Byrne subsequently established Byrne Blood management and production company with Victoria Blood (formerly head of marketing at BMG), which managed Steps alongside developing acts such as A1.

Steps signed with Pete Waterman’s Eastern Block Unity Label (EBUL) under partnership with Jive Records. Waterman along with producers Mark Topham and Karl Twigg reworked "5,6,7,8" by incorporating prominent fiddle instrumentation. Although Waterman approved this final version, his co-producers initially declined credit on the single's liner notes; however, they received proper acknowledgment on later releases including Step One.

In April 1998, Steps released their second single—a cover of Bananarama's "Last Thing on My Mind"—which climbed to number six in the UK.

By August of that year, their third single "One for Sorrow" peaked at number two in the charts and initiated a run of fourteen consecutive UK Top Five hits. Their debut album Step One debuted at number two on the UK Albums Chart and earned a five-times Platinum certification after spending fifty weeks within the Top Twenty.

Following this was a double A-side single featuring a rendition of the Bee Gees' "Tragedy" alongside an original track "Heartbeat." Released in November 1998 initially at number two, it rose to number one by January 1999. The final single from Step One, "Better Best Forgotten", entered at number two despite experiencing a delayed release.

Steps also contributed to Supertroupers—a collective group—for "Thank ABBA for the Music", a medley performed at the Brit Awards 1999, which reached number four on the charts. Although nominated for Best British Newcomer that year, they controversially lost out to Belle & Sebastian.

1999–2000: Steptacular, Global Tour, and Buzz

In July 1999, Steps unveiled the first single from their upcoming album, "Love's Got a Hold on My Heart", which narrowly missed claiming the UK number-one position, edged out by Ricky Martin's "Livin' la Vida Loca". Following this, they toured the United States as the opening act for Britney Spears during her 1999 ...Baby One More Time Tour. Their remixed track "One for Sorrow" was featured in the movie Drive Me Crazy, marking their debut single in the American market. Additionally, Steps gained popularity throughout Europe and Australasia.

Their sophomore album, Steptacular, entered the charts at number one, earning a 4× Platinum certification and becoming their second album to sell over a million copies in the UK. In North America, a compilation named Step One was released, combining selections from their first two albums. The singles "Say You'll Be Mine/Better the Devil You Know" and "Deeper Shade of Blue" continued their streak of top-five hits in the UK charts.

In February 2000, a concert special featuring Steps alongside Youngstown was broadcast on Disney Channel, enhancing promotion for their album. In July, they issued a double A-side single: "When I Said Goodbye" paired with "Summer of Love," a Latin-inspired pop track that later appeared on their third album. At the Brit Awards 2000, Steps earned the award for Best Selling Live Act.

October 2000 saw the release of "Stomp", which became their second single to reach number one in the UK. Their third album, Buzz, while not matching previous commercial heights, achieved double platinum status and produced five singles that reached the UK Top 5. The album involved collaborations with American and Swedish producers associated with Jive label artists such as Britney Spears, 'N Sync, and the Backstreet Boys. The subsequent single "It's the Way You Make Me Feel" peaked at number two in January 2001. Steps promoted Buzz internationally before returning to the UK in May with the release of "Here and Now / You'll Be Sorry".

2000–2002: Gold, Internal Conflicts, Watkins and Richards' Exit, and Disbandment

Rumors regarding a potential breakup surfaced following news of a greatest hits compilation; however, the group initially refuted these claims. The lead single from Gold: Greatest Hits, a rendition of Diana Ross's "Chain Reaction", became their most successful track in nearly two years. The next release—a double A-side titled "Words Are Not Enough/I Know Him So Well"—also reached the top five and served as their final single before reuniting in 2012.

After officially disbanding on Boxing Day 2001, fans expressed strong disappointment, with media outlets emphasizing frustration over perceived exploitation through merchandise sales during the lucrative holiday season. It was later revealed that Watkins and Richards departed on the concluding night of the Gold tour due to ongoing tensions within the group; official communications framed the split as ending while at peak popularity. Following this, H and Claire secured a £5 million contract with Warner Music for over five albums but ultimately released only one record, Another You Another Me, in 2002 before being dropped because of disappointing sales.

2002–2010: The Last Dance, Reissues and Individual Endeavors

In 2002, Jive issued The Last Dance, a collection of remixes and B-sides compiling previously released tracks. Despite lacking promotional support, the album attained the 57th position on the UK charts. Although a single for "Baby Don't Dance" was planned, it was ultimately scrapped; however, promotional copies circulated and a brief video aired on MTV. That same year, Tozer's collaboration with Russell Watson, "Someone Like You," reached the UK top 10. In May 2003, Scott-Lee launched "Lately" through Fontana Records, co-written with Point4, which climbed to number six in the UK and charted in Ireland, the Netherlands, and Switzerland; this remains her sole UK top-10 hit. Later singles released in 2003 and 2005 failed to break into the top 10. To commemorate Steps' tenth anniversary in 2007, BMG reissued their first two albums. Additionally, Scott-Lee debuted her album Never or Now that year. Richards made a notable comeback in 2008 by performing "Tragedy" on ITV1's Everybody Dance Now. Between 2009 and 2010, Watkins took part in pantomime productions at venues including Southport Theatre and locations in Grimsby.

2011–2012: Reunion, The Ultimate Collection, and Touring Activities

Speculation about a reunion persisted for years following the band's split. In 2009, Lee Latchford-Evans acknowledged that concert offers had been made but cited unsuitable timing. Early in 2011, rumors emerged about a reunion television series and a concert to mark ten years since disbandment; initially, members such as Richards dismissed these ideas as "silly," though not entirely impossible. Shortly thereafter, Steps announced a four-episode documentary on Sky Living that would explore their breakup and intervening years, coinciding with the release of their greatest hits compilation The Ultimate Collection and hints of new recordings.

During promotional interviews, members expressed varied reflections on past disagreements yet recognized a void in the market for their energetic pop sound amid economic downturns. Scott-Lee emphasized the scarcity of boy/girl pop ensembles as an opening.

The documentary exposed underlying tensions contributing to their separation, including unequal treatment among members and management challenges. Filming showed female members bonding in Marbella while male members regrouped separately in Wales. The series concluded with conversations regarding the band's prospective direction.

A freshly recorded rendition of "Dancing Queen" was included on The Ultimate Collection. On 10 October 2011, Steps appeared on This Morning, confirming a 14-date arena tour named The Ultimate Tour for 2012 and announcing their full reunion. Subsequent appearances on shows like Lorraine and Loose Women followed. The tour was later extended to 18 dates with an additional performance at Newmarket Racecourse.

The Ultimate Collection debuted atop the UK Albums Chart. In November, Steps performed a medley of singles for Children in Need and featured on Alan Carr: Chatty Man in December. Their tour DVD, titled Steps – The Ultimate Tour Live, was released in October 2012 and reached number one on the Official Charts Company's Music Video Chart the following month.

2012–2016: Light Up the World and Subsequent Hiatus

In 2012, Steps introduced their fragrance Guilty Pleasure, packaged in a disco ball-inspired bottle, which was launched on 1 November. Additionally, they released an official calendar for 2013 on 15 October. On 13 October, performing without Watkins, the group premiered their single "Light Up the World" on BBC Radio 2 during Graham Norton's show, announcing its release date as 22 October.

After completing a sold-out arena tour, Steps continued with summer concerts and public engagements. Tozer confirmed via Twitter that further group activities were planned post-summer, while Watkins shared updates about studio sessions in August. In September, the band revealed plans for a new album titled Light Up the World, a Christmas-themed collection set for release later in 2012. This album was launched on 12 November and accompanied by a six-date Christmas with Steps tour through November and December. Watkins also mentioned two additional fragrances slated for 2013 and expressed interest in having Rylan Clark join as support for their upcoming tour. Early in 2013, Tozer indicated that future projects were under consideration, with Watkins confirming a band meeting scheduled for March.

In May 2013, Steps announced a break from group activities due to an intense touring schedule but assured fans there was no intention to disband; members focused on individual pursuits during this interval. Tozer took leading roles in musicals such as The Tailor Made Man and Singin' in the Rain. Watkins appeared in productions including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Jack and the Beanstalk. Latchford-Evans participated in marathon events and managed his wife’s band Concrete Rose. Richards ventured into fashion by launching a clothing line with Fashion World and began work on her debut album, My Wildest Dreams, which debuted on 1 February 2019.

A compilation titled 5,6,7,8: The Collection was independently released on 27 November 2015 by Music Club Deluxe, featuring singles, B-sides, and remixes; however, it was not officially affiliated with the band. On 1 April 2016, they announced Stomp All Night: The Remix Anthology, a three-disc set containing 36 remixes—including 20 previously unavailable in the UK—and a fresh remix of "Say You'll Be Mine".

2017–2021: Tears on the Dancefloor and What the Future Holds Parts 1 & 2

Steps ended their five-year hiatus on 1 January 2017 following their reunion tour and Christmas album release. They performed at the I Love The 90's festival in Hasselt, Belgium, highlighting their enduring popularity in that region since the late 1990s.

Their fifth studio album, Tears on the Dancefloor, was released on 21 April 2017 and debuted at number two on the charts. On 5 March 2017, they announced both the album and its lead single "Scared of the Dark", along with plans for a 22-date Party on the Dancefloor Tour. Later that year, on 27 October, a deluxe edition titled Tears on the Dancefloor: Crying at the Disco was issued.

In November 2017, Tozer confirmed that their reunion extended beyond celebrating their twentieth anniversary, with intentions to continue following their Summer of Steps tour in 2018. By April 2018, Richards revealed that work had commenced on their sixth studio album after completing the tour. Recording sessions began during summer 2019.

On 7 September 2020, Steps unveiled their album What the Future Holds, which was released on 27 November with pre-orders available from 8 September. A UK tour comprising fourteen dates was planned for November 2021 featuring special guest Sophie Ellis-Bextor. The title track "What the Future Holds", written by Greg Kurstin and Sia, served as the lead single released on 9 September; this was followed by "Something in Your Eyes" on 27 October and "To the Beat of My Heart" in January 2021.

In April 2021, Steps announced that a deluxe version of What the Future Holds would be issued as a separate album entitled What the Future Holds Pt. 2. This release featured ten new songs alongside four stripped-back versions and fresh musical styles. The first single was a reimagined version of "Heartbreak in This City" featuring Michelle Visage. Subsequent singles included "Take Me for a Ride" (29 July), a cover of Five Star's "The Slightest Touch" (20 August), and "A Hundred Years of Winter" penned by Darren Hayes (18 November).

Later that month, Steps postponed remaining tour dates after two band members and several crew tested positive for COVID-19.

2022–present: Quarter-century milestone and theatrical production

To celebrate their 25th anniversary, Steps performed a series of summer concerts, highlighted by their headline appearance at Mighty Hoopla on 3 June 2022. On 30 May 2022, the band revealed their third official greatest-hits compilation, Platinum Collection, which includes 21 tracks along with two newly recorded songs. The lead single, "Platinum Megamix", was launched on 1 June 2022 and entered the UK Top 100 Singles Sales Chart at number 15. Following this, on 7 July, Steps released "Hard 2 Forget", a rendition of Vincint’s 2020 song, which climbed to number 21 on the UK Official Singles Download Chart. The Platinum Collection album was released on 19 August 2022, immediately securing the top position on both the UK Official Top 100 Albums and Official Albums Sales Chart, while also reaching number two on the Official Vinyl Albums Top 40. Additionally, the previously unreleased track "The Runner" reached number 56 on the UK Official Singles Downloads Chart despite not being promoted as a single.

On 26 January 2024, Steps announced their involvement in Here & Now, a jukebox musical inspired by their music catalogue, scheduled to premiere at The Alexandra in Birmingham from 9 to 30 November 2024. The group described this as a long-awaited venture and outlined plans for an extensive UK and Ireland tour running from August 2025 through May 2026. Subsequently, on 23 February 2024, Steps reissued their first three studio albums—Step One, Steptacular, and Buzz—on vinyl for the very first time; all three albums entered the Top 10 of the UK Vinyl Albums Chart by March. Claire Richards clarified that although their songs will feature in the musical, the band members themselves will not perform; she also mentioned that Steps intend to take a hiatus before preparing for a more significant return.

Filmography

In 2000 and 2001, Steps presented a talent competition titled Steps to the Stars on CBBC, where aspiring young performers vied for public votes. The show ran for two series and was hosted by H and Claire, with the group closing each episode by performing a classic hit. Among contestants were a young Danny Jones with his band Y2K, eventual winner Jenny-Lynn Smith, Gareth Gates prior to his appearance on Pop Idol, and Sean Smith from Same Difference before gaining recognition on The X Factor.

After reforming in 2011, Steps starred in the reality series Steps: Reunion, which chronicled their reconciliation following their split in 2001. The first series’ popularity led to a second season in 2012 that documented their first arena tour in over ten years; both series were broadcast on Sky Living. This resurgence helped pave the way for ITV2’s revival of late-1990s and early-2000s pop groups through the nine-part series The Big Reunion.

Awards and nominations

Award	Year	Category	Nominee(s)	Result
Brit Awards	1999	British Breakthrough Act	Themselves	Template:Nom
	2000	Best Selling Live Act of 1999	Themselves	Template:Won
		British Pop Act	Themselves	Template:Nom
	2001		Themselves	Template:Nom
British LGBT Awards	2022	Music Artist	Themselves	Template:Won
Music Week Awards	2023	Catalogue Marketing Campaign	Themselves	Template:Nom
Popjustice £20 Music Prize	2017	Best British Pop Single	"Scared of the Dark"	Template:Nom
The Record of the Year	1998	Record of the Year	"One for Sorrow"	Template:Nom

Discography

• Step One (1998)
• Steptacular (1999)
• Buzz (2000)
• Light Up the World (2012)
• Tears on the Dancefloor (2017)
• What the Future Holds (2020)
• What the Future Holds Pt. 2 (2021)

As Headliners

• Step One Tour (1999)
• Next Step Tour (1999)
• Steptacular Tour (2000)
• Steps into Christmas (2000)
• Gold Tour (2001)
• The Ultimate Tour (2012)
• Christmas with Steps (2012)
• Party on the Dancefloor Tour (2017)
• Summer of Steps Tour (2018)
• What the Future Holds Tour (2021)
• 25th Anniversary Summer Tour (2022)

Supporting Act

• ...Baby One More Time Tour (opening for Britney Spears) (1999)

See also

• Pete Waterman Entertainment
• RCA/Jive Label Group
• Sony BMG
• Stock Aitken Waterman