If you are around my age (I’m eighteen) then you will probably recall – and have listened to on repeat – the S Club Juniors, or ‘S Club 8’ as they were later know. From the ages of seven to eleven, I was absolutely obsessed with the band and their music, as they were ‘real life pop stars’ but the novelty of it being they were just a few years older than myself. The band originally was formed in 2001 to create a supporting act for the ‘older’ band S Club 7 on tour (who I also loved!) however, their popularity soon spiralled and they lasted nearly five years in the tough world of showbizness.
Although some of the band have left to get on with ‘normal’ lives, a few members are still very much in the public eye today and have re-created themselves to fit the modern day world of entertainment. Rochelle and Frankie are now part of the extremely successful girl-band ‘The Saturdays’ whilst Daisy is now a part of girl-band From Above, who are managed by Beyonce’s father! Small world, eh?
Rochelle Wiseman
As well as being a member of S Club 8, Rochelle used to present Saturday morning children’s show Smile (oh, I miss it!) however she is currently a valued member of The Saturdays. Now 23, Rochelle has recently married JLS member Marvin Humes, is pregnant with her first child and is rumored to only keep in touch with fellow Saturday’s star Frankie Sandford, after falling out with the other band members. Rochelle has really blossomed since her S Club days and is a stunningly beautiful woman who sets fashion trends and has lots of girls aspiring to her success.
Hannah Richings
As the youngest member of S Club 8, it may come as a surprise to some that Hannah now has two children with her long-term partner Phil Blackford. She released a solo single in 2006 after the band split and was backed by Carrie and David Grant who claimed she was the only one in the band who could hold a harmony, however the single was never released commercially and so Hannah went on to work for Barclays Bank – where she still works today. Now 22, she has two children called Finlay Jay and Poppy May.
Frankie Sandford
Frankie Sandford is also now part of successful pop girl group The Saturdays. Despite me hoping she would get together with Calvin (they did make the perfect couple, you have to admit), she is currently dating footballer Wayne Bridge and has recently opened up about suffering from depression. She has previously dated McFly’s Dougie, and in my opinion – was definitely the trend setter for the side-fringed mid bob (technical term, of course! See picture for reference).
Stacey McClean
I think Stacey has probably changed the most looks wise, as when I first saw her recent pictures I was in two minds as to whether or not it was the same person. In 2009, Stacey appeared on The X Factor, where she made it to the top six girls. Now 23, Stacey still maintains a career in singing, however has not yet had any of her singles reach the charts.
Calvin Goldspink
If I’m being completely honest, I think Calvin was the main reason I loved S Club Juniors so much (and became so fascinated by them). He was my very first ‘crush’ (cringe!) and I was obsessed by his every move. Today, he still sports his trademark cheeky grin but for me, the spark has gone! In 2007, he appeared one season of Life Is Wild for the CW network and has recently been working on releasing an album. Now 23, Calvin has released several singles that haven’t made it into the charts over here – but are apparently huge in Japan!
Daisy Evans
Daisy Evans has also changed quite dramatically in her appearance, as she no longer sports those adorable long plaits that used to make me green with envy (and possibly started my obsession with growing my hair to my waist). Since 2007, Daisy has been a member of girlband ‘From Above’ who have toured the UK (although, I’ve never heard of them!) and have reportedly been signed by Beyonce’s father Matthew Knowles. Earlier this year, the band moved to the US to work on their debut album and this progress was documented on an MTV reality show called ‘Breaking From Above’.
Jay Asforis
Jay originally was accepted into the band after sending off an audition tape to the producers of S Club Juniors unlike the other members who had to attend a group audition. Jay is often mistaken as being the ‘grown-up version’ of current singer Chipmunk (I thought he was until two days ago) however, he has actually left the pop world altogether and gone into sales and marketing. He did have a brief stint in the world of musical theatre, gaining a place in one of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musicals, however he decided to return to a more ‘normal’ job after this.
Aaron Renfree
Whoaa, well Aaron’s changed – just a little bit – since the S Club days, however he still maintains a healthy career in the world of showbiz as he currently works as a backing dancer to the stars. Aaron recently went on tour with The Saturdays (as one of their dancers), was assistant choreographer on the past three UK X Factor’s and has appeared on The Voice!
