Hear'Say Announces Comeback 25 Years After Popstars Formation

The British pop group Hear'Say, formed on the reality television show Popstars in 2001, has announced a comeback, sparking nostalgia among fans. The group, which split after 18 months, shared a mock-up of their group chat on social media, hinting at a reunion.

Formed from aspiring singers who competed to impress judges 'Nasty' Nigel Lythgoe, Nicki Chapman, and Paul Adam, Hear'Say consisted of Danny Foster, Myleene Klass, Kym Marsh, Suzanne Shaw, and Noel Sullivan. The show's runners-up, Liberty X, ultimately achieved greater commercial success. However, the potential return of Hear'Say suggests a new chapter for the original five members.

Myleene Klass has become one of the most recognizable figures in UK entertainment. Following the band's dissolution, she released a classical album and transitioned into television and radio presenting, hosting shows such as Popstar to Operastar and The One Show. Klass also gained significant attention for her participation in I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!, winning the all-stars series in 2023. Despite career highs, her personal life has included navigating a challenging divorce and experiencing multiple miscarriages, leading her to campaign for changes in UK miscarriage care laws. She was awarded an MBE in the 2025 New Year Honours list for her advocacy. Klass had previously expressed reservations about a reunion, citing current commitments.

Danny Foster, who trained as a youth worker before joining the group, later appeared on The Voice in 2013 but did not advance. He has since focused on personal development, founding the "Love Includes You" platform, which promotes meditation and self-love, inspired by his experiences with monks in India. Foster also tours with his own soul group and married Victoria Goddard in 2016.

Suzanne Shaw, who had a background in theatre before Popstars, struggled with alcohol and sleeping pills after the band's split. She continued her performing career, appearing in West End musicals and touring productions. Shaw had a son with actor Darren Day, though their relationship ended shortly after the birth. She later won Dancing On Ice in 2008 and went on to have a second son. In early 2024, she separated from her fiancé of 11 years, but later became a grandmother.

Noel Sullivan, who worked as a waiter before Popstars, established a career in musical theatre, including roles in Grease and the West End production of School Of Rock. He also made a cameo appearance as himself in the popular BBC series Gavin and Stacey. Sullivan publicly came out in 2017 and has spoken about the challenges of repressing his sexuality during his time in Hear'Say. He is now married to his husband.

Kym Marsh left Hear'Say in early 2002 after feeling betrayed by bandmates following a misunderstanding about a trip to Oman. She later pursued a successful solo music career and transitioned into acting, most notably playing Michelle Connor in Coronation Street for 13 years. Marsh has had a complex personal life, including marriages and divorces, and the tragic loss of a son shortly after birth. She is currently engaged to Tom Dickinson.

The formation of Hear'Say on Popstars also highlighted some of the show's more controversial aspects. Kym Marsh faced criticism regarding her weight from judge Nigel Lythgoe, which she has stated impacted her body image for years. Other incidents included a contestant breaking her nose during a trust exercise, a singer being eliminated due to her perceived image rather than vocal talent, and Darius Danesh being ridiculed for a performance of Britney Spears' "...Baby One More Time." The contestants also faced challenging living conditions, including a house without running water, and experienced privacy violations when their belongings were publicly revealed by a radio station. Additionally, Suzanne Shaw was subjected to intrusive personal questions about her appearance during a radio interview, and Kym Marsh was confronted by judges for not disclosing she had two children prior to joining the group.