Hear’Say and Liberty X are set to embark on the Popstars: The Originals tour to mark 25 years since they formed on the talent show.
After the Pure and Simple hitmakers teased a comeback on social media, they’ve now teamed up with Liberty X – made up of the five contestants who failed to make it into Hear’Say – for a UK and Ireland tour next spring.
The tour begins at Dublin’s 3Arena on April 17, and includes stops in major cities including Birmingham, Leeds, Glasgow, London and Manchester.
Hear’Say’s Danny Foster, Kym Marsh, Suzanne Shaw and Noel Sullivan are returning for the run, however, Myleene Klass is sitting out the shows due to her busy schedule.
All five members of Liberty X – Michelle Heaton, Jessica Taylor, Tony Lundon, Kevin Simm and Kelli Young – have been confirmed for the anniverary tour.
It will mark the first time both bands – who were rivals back in the noughties – have shared a stage.
Hear’Say said: “Coming back together after 25 years is something that’s incredibly special to all of us. It’s a chance to celebrate an unforgettable chapter in our lives, reconnect with each other and relive so many amazing memories. To be sharing the stage with Liberty X makes this celebration even more special, and it feels like the perfect way to mark such an incredible milestone.
“We are so excited to be celebrating with everyone and honestly can’t wait to reconnect with the Hear’say fans. To relive those amazing memories together and create some new ones along the way is going to be very special. We are counting down the days and can’t wait to see you there.”
Liberty X added: “It’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years since Popstars changed all of our lives. We are thrilled to be heading out on tour with Hear’Say to celebrate where it all began. It feels like the perfect way to mark such an incredible milestone, bringing the music, the memories and all the energy back to the stage.
“Most of all, we can’t wait to celebrate with all of you. Whether you’ve been with us since day one or you’re discovering these songs all over again, we can’t wait to sing, dance and make some brand-new memories together. See you on tour!”
On an episode of Loose Women this week, Myleene explained why she could not commit to the shows, insisting: “I’m just super busy.”
Addressing her abscence, Danny told The Sun newspaper’s Bizarre column: “Myleene, obviously, was involved. We invited her to come and do it, and we’ve always got a lot of love for her. She will always be part of the Hear’Say family.
“But we all understand her decision because all of us had to go away and reflect on whether or not we wanted to come back and do this.
“We got nine yeses, and then Myleene was busy and couldn’t get it together.
“We just felt we didn’t want to let this opportunity go, because I think from a fans’ point of view, this is an incredible idea.
“So she’s cheering us on from the side. We support her in everything that she does, and it’s nice, and she supports us today.”
Fans who register for tickets via www.kilimanjarolive.co.uk/hear-say and www.kilimanjarolive.co.uk/liberty-x will gain access to a pre-sale at 9am on October 14. The general sale takes place at the same time on October 16.
Hear’Say became overnight stars after winning Popstars, scoring immediate chart success with Pure and Simple and its follow‑up The Way To Your Love. Their debut album, Popstars, went triple‑Platinum with more than 900,000 UK sales.
Liberty X emerged as Popstars runners‑up but quickly became one of the decade’s biggest UK pop acts. Their signature hit Just A Little reached No.1 and became one of 2002’s top‑selling singles, while they added seven more Top 10 tracks and a double‑Platinum debut album. The group reunited for ITV’s The Big Reunion in 2013 and perform as a trio featuring Michelle, Jessica and Kelli Young.
Popstars: The Originals 2027 tour dates:
April 17 – Dublin, 3Arena
April 18 – Belfast, SSE Arena
April 20 – Bournemouth, BIC
April 21 – Nottingham, Motorpoint Arena
April 25 – Brighton, Centre
April 28 – Cardiff, Utilita Arena
May 1 – Birmingham, BP Pulse Arena
May 2 – Leeds, First Direct Arena
May 4 – Newcastle, Utilita Arena
May 5 – Glasgow, Hydro Arena
May 7 – London, The O2
May 8 – Manchester, AO Arena
May 9 – Liverpool, Marks and Spencer Bank Arena