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Scooch are a British pop group, comprising performers Natalie Powers, Caroline Barnes, David Ducasse and Russ Spencer.

Key Information

Scooch represented the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest 2007 in Helsinki with their song "Flying the Flag (For You)", finishing joint 22nd out of 24 entries after receiving 19 points in the final. The song reached number 5 in the UK Top 40 Singles Chart on 13 May 2007 after having been available for download for two months before that.

Formation

[edit]

Auditions for an "all-singing, all-dancing pop group" were held between autumn 1997 and spring 1998 in front of the songwriters and producers Mike Stock and Matt Aitken and future manager Steve Crosby. Heidi Range auditioned for the group but was declined after it was revealed she was only 14 years old.[1] The final foursome was formed in October 1998. For the first few months the group were kept low-key and spent time on their image and sound. The group's name comes from a term used to ask someone to move up or along a bench or sofa.

Career

[edit]

Scooch won a contest on BBC One's Saturday morning show Live & Kicking in 1999. They competed against the boy band Glitterbug, to have their single released. Even though the bands were already formed, this contest was unique as it pre-dates the format of the first music talent reality show to air in the United Kingdom, ITV programme Popstars in 2001.

Their debut single "When My Baby" charted within the Top 40. This prompted a tour supporting the Irish girl band B*Witched, and promoted their second and biggest single "More Than I Needed to Know". It entered the UK Singles Chart at number 5 and went on to see a global release (including Japan, where it hit the top of the record chart).

A promotional support tour for boy band Five provided the group with the foundation for their third single "The Best Is Yet to Come" which charted at number 12 in the UK. The group recorded their debut album "Welcome to the Planet Pop" which was released to Top 20 success in Japan. "More Than I Needed to Know" reached number one in Japan, and due to its popularity there, it was featured in the video game DDRMAX2: Dance Dance Revolution 7thMIX. Scooch performed at every arena in the UK and spent a year as Ambassadors for the Children's Health Authority.

Scooch's fourth single came in the form of the flamenco-inspired "For Sure", which made number 15 in the UK. It was followed by the UK version of their album entitled "Four Sure" which peaked just outside the UK Top 40. The band were dropped by their record label and privately split. The group briefly reformed in January 2004 to perform at G-A-Y's Gone But Not Forgotten night, the success of which prompted the band to do a tour of several gay venues and events around the UK.

Other work

[edit]

In 2006, Russ Spencer took part in the E4 reality show Boys Will Be Girls,[2] in which he attempted, along with two other ex-boyband members, to pose as a girl-group. Spencer and his bandmates were given four weeks to record a single, make a pop video and play live, all the while posing as females. Spencer has also become a television presenter, presenting TV shows including Make Your Play for ITV. His theatre work includes starring as the Child Catcher in the UK National Tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Caroline Barnes and Natalie Powers have both had various parts on the stage in the West End. Powers has also released two solo singles, "Music to My Heart" and "Unchained Melody", with Almighty Records.

David Ducasse established his own performing arts academy in the North East in 2000 training young performers.[3] The school celebrated its 15th anniversary with a celebratory concert, which was performed in April 2015.[4] He has also worked extensively as a producer, writer and director, and continues to perform. Recent[when?] roles include Dandini alongside Emmerdale actress Roxanne Pallet in Cinderella at the Newcastle Theatre Royal for Qdos Entertainment, Francis Fryer in the UK tour of Calamity Jane for Entertainment Unlimited. This Christmas,[when?] Ducasse will play the title role in Dick Whittington at Consett Empire.

Barnes and Spencer took part in Series 4 of Channel 4's Coach Trip and performed in Harry Hill's TV Burp as the finale performance on 12 March 2010 episode with the song "Flying the Flag (For You)" and the end of the performance, Harry (dressed as a German in Oktoberfest clothing) gives them a nul point.

Eurovision Song Contest 2007

[edit]

Eurovision: Making Your Mind Up

[edit]

On 28 February 2006, it was announced that Scooch were to reform for a Eurovision Song Contest bid.

The group appeared in the UK selection competition Eurovision: Making Your Mind Up on BBC One on Saturday 17 March 2007, singing and performing their song "Flying the Flag (For You)".

The show began with six songs selected by the BBC, which were reduced to two songs after the public had voted, the four songs with the fewest votes leaving the competition. The remaining two songs went head to head in a "sing-off" and the public voted again for the outright winner.

The show ended in controversy as the final result was announced. Fearne Cotton revealed the winner to be Scooch while, simultaneously in a much louder voice, co-host Terry Wogan announced the winner to be fellow entry Cyndi. After several seconds of confusion for the two acts, the crowd and TV viewers, it was revealed that Scooch were the actual winners of the competition and were to represent the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest 2007.[5] A confused Cyndi was thanked and hurried off the stage by Cotton so Scooch could perform the winning song once again before the programme ended.

It was later revealed that Scooch received 53% of the public vote, with Cyndi receiving 47%.[6]

Further controversy

[edit]

Further controversy ensued when the Daily Mirror newspaper reported that the band had used two backing singers offstage as part of their performance on Eurovision: Making Your Mind Up, with the implication that this had given the group an advantage over rival entrants, although this was allowed. This led to false accusations of miming.[7]

Rule 7 of Section 4 of "The Extracts From the Rules for the 2007 Eurovision Song Contest" states that "Artists shall perform live on stage, accompanied by a recorded backing-track which contains no vocals of any kind or any vocal imitations." So as long as the backing singers were live no rules were broken.[8] It is common Eurovision practice to have additional singers offstage. For example, the Swedish entry in 2006 featured backing singers who did not appear onstage until the second half of the song.[citation needed] The rule is that a maximum number of six singers/performers can perform, but there is no rule to say that they must all be shown on stage.[citation needed]

In a video blog, released on Saturday 24 March 2007, singer-turned-TV presenter Charlotte Church claimed that Scooch were not worthy of winning Eurovision: Making Your Mind Up. Church referred to the UK's Eurovision entry, "Flying the Flag (for You)" by Scooch, as "absolute shit" and "embarrassing" for Britain. Church announced that she believed Cyndi should have won the competition instead. Natalie Powers of Scooch hit back saying, "As a mother of a young child myself I find her behaviour and language quite unacceptable. What kind of role model is this for a mum-to-be?" Russ Spencer added, "What a pity the voice of an angel has acquired the mouth of a sewer".[9]

On 28 March 2007, Swedish singer Pandora claimed that the chorus of Scooch's entry for the Eurovision Song Contest, is a "clear cut" case of plagiarism of the chorus in her song "No Regrets" released in 1999. With the help of the Swedish Musicians' Union, she later contacted the EBU in an attempt to have Scooch's entry disqualified from the competition.[10]

In response to the plagiarism claim by Pandora, the BBC issued a statement confirming that Scooch's song is "an original" and the writers "were never aware of Pandora or her songs". The BBC confirmed that there had been no duplication of her work.[11]

On 3 April 2007, the Daily Mirror newspaper apologised to the BBC and EBU for an incorrect story it published stating that the EBU had confirmed that the BBC had breached the EBU's rules during the selection of the UK's Eurovision entry. The flawed story led to rumours of miming by Scooch on the Eurovision: Making Your Mind Up show and led to accusations of competition fixing by the BBC.[12]

Promotion campaign

[edit]

On 19 March 2007, Scooch appeared on Richard & Judy on Channel 4, revealing that their dance routine for "Flying the Flag (For You)" in the Eurovision Song Contest 2007 in Helsinki will be "camper than ever before" and "may involve strings". On 22 March, they appeared on This Morning on ITV and in the evening on The Graham Norton Show on BBC One, performing shortened versions of the song.

On 17 April, Scooch shot the music video for their Eurovision entry "Flying the Flag (For You)" in London. The video was released on 23 April 2007 and could be 'exclusively' seen on the BBC Eurovision 2007 website from 24 April 2007. On 18 April, it was announced that Scooch had been signed to the Warner Bros. record label.[13] As part of the contract, Scooch recorded several different language versions of "Flying the Flag (For You)", in which the phrases in the song are spoken in French, German, Spanish, Bulgarian and Danish.[14]

Throughout early May 2007, the group appeared on several British television programmes and radio programmes and took part in numerous media interviews to promote the song and themselves further. A "child-friendly" version of the song was performed on CBBC's Blue Peter with several spoken lines changed to reflect the target audience. Changes included "Would you like a snack sir?" instead of "Some salted nuts Sir?" and "Would you like some sweets Sir?" instead of "Would you like something to suck on for landing sir?". The quartet also performed on the National Lottery Draw on BBC One and on the ITV show Loose Women.

Scooch rehearsed in Helsinki for the Eurovision Song Contest Final from 6 to 11 May and altered several parts of their performance numerous times in the process.

Performance in the ESC Final

[edit]

On the final night, Scooch finished joint 22nd out of 24 entries with 19 points; seven points from Ireland and the maximum twelve points from Malta. This was the first time since 2002 that a UK Eurovision entrant had received the maximum twelve points in the competition;[15][16] Malta later stated that the twelve points was a protest at how many countries in Eurovision voted for their neighbours.[17][18]

Although "Flying the Flag (for You)" did not attract major European attention, the song reached number 5 in the UK Singles Chart on 13 May 2007, making it the highest charting UK Eurovision entrant since Katrina and the Waves in 1997 and equalling the group's highest-charting song, "More Than I Needed to Know".

After Eurovision

[edit]

After Eurovision, Scooch announced that although they were staying together as a group, they had no plans to produce new material as they were too busy. However, they said they would be performing live performances and in the future, they will not rule out releasing more songs. They also stated that three of the individual members of Scooch would be performing in theatrical productions. Spencer would be playing The Child Catcher in the UK Tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Barnes would continue her role in The Producers, and Ducasse would be appearing as the lead-character in Jack and the Beanstalk in Newcastle upon Tyne. Powers, however, planned to take time out to look after her son.

Notably, a songwriter of Scooch's entry Morten Schjolin participated in the national selection again in 2008 with Michelle Gayle's entry on 1 March 2008.

In 2010, Caroline and Russ, who have subsequently started a relationship, were competitors on the fourth series of British reality show Coach Trip. They joined the show on day 18, and were evicted on day 36, making them one of the longest lasting couples of the series.

Since 2007, Scooch have continued to tour the UK and Europe, from 2011 performing their new "Scooch do Glee" show.

Whilst not performing in the band David continues his role as principal of the Performers Stage School in the North East, he also is Presenter on Pride World Radio. Natalie is a principal and vocal coach at Allstars Academy performing arts school in Hemel Hempstead,[19] Caroline works in musical theatre as a performer and choreographer and Russ is a presenter and singer currently starring in the new touring musical The Heat Is On!.

In October 2011 it was announced that Scooch would be performing as a support act to The Mission, who were playing a 25th Anniversary concert at London's Brixton Academy. Scooch were included in the line-up alongside goth legends Fields of the Nephilim and their inclusion caused controversy among both sets of fans.[citation needed]

On 30 April 2024, an advert promoting Easyjet's sponsorship of the 2024 Eurovision contest was released on both the official Eurovision and Easyjet YouTube pages. The ad features Scooch performing the song All Aboard the Orange Plane (The Eurovision Song).

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
Title Album details Peak chart positions
UK
[20]
Four Sure[A] 41

Singles

[edit]
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
UK
[20] 		AUS
[21] 		NLD
[22]
"When My Baby" 1999 29 182 — Four Sure /
Welcome to the Planet Pop
"More Than I Needed to Know" 2000 5 — 62
"The Best Is Yet to Come" 12 — —
"For Sure" 15 181 —
"One of These Days" 2001 — — —
"Zoom" — — —
"Flying the Flag (For You)" 2007 5 — — Non-album single
"—" denotes a title that did not chart, or was not released in that territory.

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Scooch

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Scooch is a British bubblegum pop group formed in 1998, consisting of vocalists and Caroline Barnes alongside multi-instrumentalists David Ducasse and Russ Spencer. The band was assembled by producers Mike Stock and , key members of the Stock Aitken Waterman trio renowned for hits with artists like , Dead or Alive, and . They gained initial prominence through energetic performances and catchy tracks, debuting with the single "When My Baby" in 1999, which peaked at number 29 on the UK Singles Chart. Scooch followed their debut with "More Than I Needed to Know" in 2000, which reached number 5 on the UK Singles Chart, and their single "The Best Is Yet to Come," charting at number 12 that same year. Their sole studio , Welcome to the Planet, was released in 2000, showcasing their signature upbeat, nostalgic sound. After a period of lower visibility, the group re-emerged in 2007 to represent the at the in with the patriotic anthem "Flying the Flag (For You)," an effervescent track that finished 22nd out of 24 entries despite its high-energy presentation. Since then, Scooch has maintained activity on the nostalgia and circuits, including a 2024 single release "All Aboard the Orange Plane" with , performing at events and reunions while occasionally reflecting on their career in media appearances. The group's members have pursued varied paths, including session work and solo endeavors, but the core lineup has periodically reunited for live shows celebrating their 1990s and Eurovision legacy.

Early Career (1998–2000)

Formation

Scooch originated from a series of auditions conducted between late 1997 and spring 1998, spearheaded by producers Mike Stock and Matt Aitken in partnership with manager Steve Crosby, who sought to create an all-singing, all-dancing pop act following his departure from managing the group Steps. David Ducasse, one of the successful auditionees, discovered the opportunity through an advertisement in the entertainment industry publication The Stage and attended a tryout in Surrey, where he was accepted the following day. The initial lineup was established in October 1998 with four vocalists: , Caroline Barnes, David Ducasse, and , all selected for their and abilities. The group's name derives from the colloquial English term "scooch," which refers to shifting slightly to make room, such as moving along a bench or sofa. Shortly after formation, the members commenced intensive rehearsals in Surrey to refine their sound, image, and choreography, with Ducasse funding his frequent commutes from Newcastle by working part-time at a local pub. In 1998, Scooch signed a development deal with Mike Stock, followed by a single release agreement with EMI's Accolade Records by May, marking the start of their active period as a performing group. This groundwork culminated briefly in their win at a BBC One's Live & Kicking contest the next year.

Debut Success

Scooch achieved their initial breakthrough in 1999 by winning a talent contest on One's children's television program , where they outperformed the boy band Glitterbug to secure a record deal and the release of their debut single. This victory propelled them into the public eye, marking the start of their brief but notable presence in the late British pop scene. Their first single, "When My Baby", written and produced by Mike Stock and , was released in October 1999 and peaked at number 29 on the UK Singles Chart, spending four weeks on the chart. Building on this modest entry, the group's second single, "More Than I Needed to Know"—also penned by Stock, Aitken, and Steve Crosby—became their biggest hit, debuting at number 5 on the UK Singles Chart in January 2000 and achieving significant international success, particularly in where it topped radio airplay charts and was featured in the video game MAX2. The momentum continued with two follow-up singles from their debut era: "The Best Is Yet to Come" in April 2000, which reached number 12 on the UK Singles Chart, and "For Sure" in July 2000, peaking at number 15 and marking their fourth consecutive top-20 entry. These releases, characterized by upbeat production in the vein of contemporary acts like Steps, helped establish Scooch as a fixture in the UK's bubblegum pop landscape. Their debut album, Four Sure, released in August 2000 on Records, peaked at number 41 on the with two weeks in the top 100. An expanded version titled Welcome to the Planet Pop was released in on 28 June 2000, featuring bonus tracks and remixes. Primarily produced by Mike Stock and (with additional contributions from on select tracks and Rose and Foster on one), the album featured polished, radio-friendly tracks that capitalized on the group's vocal harmonies and energetic style, though it failed to match the singles' commercial heights. During this period, Scooch gained exposure by touring as opening acts for fellow pop acts including and 5ive, further building their live performance profile.

Hiatus and Reformation (2001–2006)

Activities During Hiatus

Following the release of their second studio album Four Sure in August 2000, which sold fewer than 4,000 copies in its debut week and failed to chart significantly, Scooch were dropped by their . This commercial disappointment marked the end of their active group phase, leading to an official hiatus announced shortly thereafter, with no further collective releases or tours during the 2001–2004 period. During this time, the members diversified into individual pursuits outside the scene. Russ Spencer transitioned into television presenting roles, leveraging his performance background for on-screen work. Caroline Barnes focused on , taking on dance and performance positions in productions such as The Producers. Ducasse established and operated a academy in the North , training young talent in stage and entertainment skills. initially stepped back from professional commitments to focus on family life after giving birth to her son in February 2001, later beginning her shift toward vocal coaching for aspiring performers. These endeavors allowed the group members to explore personal and professional growth amid the absence of Scooch's joint activities.

Preparation for Eurovision

Following their hiatus, Scooch's original members—Natalie Powers, Caroline Barnes, David Ducasse, and —reunited in 2004 for a series of sporadic live performances, including a mini-tour across venues that culminated in a headline slot at London's nightclub. This initial return was driven by a shared for their late-1990s success and a desire to reconnect with fans through occasional gigs, rather than a full-scale comeback, as the members had pursued individual projects such as Barnes' work in musical theater and Spencer's songwriting endeavors during the break. By 2005–2006, growing interest in Eurovision opportunities shifted their focus, with the group viewing the contest as a high-profile platform to revive their career collectively after years of solo pursuits. The song "Flying the Flag (For You)" emerged as the centerpiece of their Eurovision bid, co-written by band member alongside composers Andrew Hill, Morten Schjolin, and Paul Tarry, who crafted its upbeat bubblegum pop sound with aviation-themed lyrics to evoke unity and travel. Production emphasized a danceable rhythm and harmonious vocals to suit the group's energetic style, with Spencer contributing lyrics that reflected themes of national pride and global connection, aligning with Eurovision's international spirit. In late 2006, Scooch auditioned for the BBC's Eurovision: national selection process, submitting the track after internal discussions highlighted it as a fun, marketable entry that could leverage their prior pop hits. Internally, the reunion was motivated by a mix of professional ambition and personal bonds, as the members sought to recapture the camaraderie lost during their 2001–2006 hiatus, when individual schedules had pulled them in different directions—such as Barnes' television appearances and Ducasse's behind-the-scenes music roles. Spencer noted the excitement of a "second chance" to perform as a unit, while Powers emphasized the therapeutic aspect of regrouping for a shared goal, fostering renewed dynamics despite the challenges of coordinating after years apart. This enthusiasm propelled them through the selection, where they were announced as entrants on 28 February 2007, ahead of the March final. Initial rehearsals began shortly after selection confirmation, focusing on synchronizing and live vocals under tight timelines, with the group adapting to the song's demands through daily sessions that built stamina for the high-energy performance. Styling decisions centered on a campy crew theme to match the song's narrative, featuring custom uniforms designed by Sue Judd—complete with hats, scarves, and accessories—that amplified the playful, theatrical elements while ensuring visual cohesion on . These early preparations, including tweaks with additional vocal support arranged by producer Andrew Hill, underscored the group's commitment to delivering a polished, entertaining act.

Eurovision Song Contest 2007

National Selection Process

The BBC's Eurovision: Making Your Mind Up served as the national selection process for the United Kingdom's entry to the 2007 Eurovision Song Contest, airing live on 17 March 2007 on BBC One and hosted by Terry Wogan and Fearne Cotton. The show featured six competing acts, each performing an original song in the first round: Big Brovaz with "Big Bro Thang", Brian Harvey with "I Can", Justin Hawkins and Beverlei Brown with "They Don't Make 'Em Like They Used To", Liz McClarnon with "(Don't It Make You) Happy", Cyndi with "I'll Leave My Heart", and Scooch with "Flying the Flag (For You)". Originally, singer Nicki French was considered to join Scooch for their performance but ultimately did not participate. The competition employed a two-round public voting system, with viewers determining the outcome after each performance. In the initial round, Scooch and Cyndi advanced to the superfinal based on the highest vote tallies, where they reprised their songs for a decisive second vote. Scooch's upbeat, aviation-themed entry "Flying the Flag (For You)", developed during the group's reformation, secured victory with 54% of the public vote. Scooch performed the song in coordinated flight attendant uniforms, chosen to visually reinforce the ' playful motif and enhance the high-energy choreography. Backstage preparations emphasized seamless staging and group synchronization, building on rehearsals that highlighted their comeback appeal as underdogs at 12/1 odds. The win was announced immediately following the superfinal vote tally, eliciting immediate media surprise at the public's preference for Scooch's lighthearted act over more established contenders like former member . This selection positioned Scooch to represent the in , marking a nostalgic return for the pop group.

Controversies

Following their victory in the BBC's contest on March 17, 2007, Scooch faced immediate scrutiny over the use of uncredited backing vocalists during their performance of "Flying the Flag (For You)." Two session singers, positioned off-stage, provided high harmonies that augmented the group's sound, a practice revealed by The Mirror shortly after the win. Contestants such as , who performed a with Beverlei Brown, accused Scooch of misleading viewers and effectively miming parts of the act, with Hawkins stating, "Everyone was furious that Scooch had two ghost singers who weren't on stage." Similarly, , formerly of , claimed the public had been "conned" by the undisclosed assistance. The selection of Scooch's entry also drew widespread media and public backlash for its perceived lightweight and campy style, deemed ill-suited to compete in Eurovision's increasingly serious and politically charged landscape. Critics described the song as "less a song really and more a piece of Butlins' entertainment," likening it to the innuendo-laden theme from the 1970s sitcom Are You Being Served?, complete with air steward costumes and props like drink trolleys that evoked British panto rather than international pop. noted its outdated camp aesthetic, similar to the 1981 winning entry, arguing it offered "no hope in hell" against more contemporary acts, while forums and press highlighted fears it would fail to penetrate Eastern European voting blocs. Within the BBC, internal discussions reportedly centered on the risks of selecting a novelty act like Scooch amid ongoing concerns over Eurovision's voting patterns, where Western entries often struggled against bloc voting from Eastern and Scandinavian countries. Presenter publicly decried the "blatant bias" of the system during the 2007 broadcast, reflecting broader anxieties about the 's competitiveness following poor results in prior years, such as Daz Sampson's 19th place in 2006. These debates questioned whether a frivolous entry would exacerbate the UK's marginalization in a contest increasingly dominated by geopolitical alliances. In 2023, singer , a 2000 Eurovision entrant, revealed she had been originally slated to join Scooch's lineup as a for the selection show performance. French explained that had recruited her to record vocals and perform live at the in , but she was abruptly dropped via text message the day before, a decision that left her and Powers perplexed. Reflecting on the subsequent ghost singers , French expressed relief at being excluded, stating she had "dodged a bullet" amid the ensuing backlash. Scooch and the responded defensively to the allegations, with the group's Andrew Hill attributing the off-stage singers to their appearance—"they didn’t look the part"—and dismissing critics like Hawkins as having "a touch of sour grapes." The confirmed that hidden backing vocalists were permissible under the rules, denied any miming occurred, and insisted Scooch's win was "fair and square," emphasizing the public televote as the decisive factor. In a later , Scooch maintained that their energetic delivery and catchy tune aligned with Eurovision's entertainment ethos, undeterred by the pre-contest uproar.

Promotion and Performance

Following their victory in the national selection with "Flying the Flag (For You)", Scooch launched a promotional campaign across the from March to May 2007, featuring numerous television appearances and live performances to build anticipation for the . The group described this period as intensely busy, with their schedule leaving little time for rest as they engaged in media interviews and events to promote the upbeat, aviation-themed track. A key element of the campaign was the release of the official , shot on 17 April 2007 and made available alongside the single's digital download on 30 April, with the physical following on 7 May. In early May 2007, Scooch traveled to , , for the contest preparations, participating in technical rehearsals on 7 and 8 May to fine-tune their staging and lighting. They conducted a on 11 May, ensuring synchronization ahead of the grand final. During the grand final on 12 May 2007, Scooch performed 19th in the running order, delivering a high-energy rendition of "Flying the Flag (For You)" dressed in matching and pilot uniforms—bright blue outfits with red accents evoking crew attire. The incorporated playful elements, such as synchronized arm movements mimicking airplane wings and cabin service gestures, emphasizing the song's campy, travel-inspired theme. The performance earned applause from the live audience in the Hartwall Arena, with the group noting the crowd's enthusiastic response immediately after taking the stage. Scooch ultimately placed 22nd out of 24 entries, receiving 19 points from a of jury votes and televoting, the lowest score for the since 2003. Despite the result, band member later reflected that the execution went according to plan and left them exhilarated, while media coverage highlighted the act's humorous intent amid the contest's competitive atmosphere. In the aftermath, "Flying the Flag (For You)" peaked at number 5 on the UK Singles Chart on 13 May 2007, boosted by the Eurovision exposure.

Post-Eurovision Career (2008–present)

Group Activities and Reunions

Following their participation in the , where they finished joint 22nd, Scooch maintained their original lineup of , Caroline Barnes, David Ducasse, and , allowing the group to sustain collective performances without major disruptions. The quartet focused on live revivals of their hits, such as "More Than I Need to Know" and "Flying the Flag (For You)", rather than recording new original material, as they cited busy schedules with ongoing engagements. In the immediate aftermath, Scooch undertook tours across the UK and Europe in 2007 and 2008, capitalizing on the visibility from their Eurovision entry to perform at various venues and events. These outings emphasized high-energy pop sets that revived their 1990s and early 2000s catalog, fostering a sense of nostalgia among audiences familiar with their chart successes. By 2010, the group developed a new stage show titled Scooch do Glee, inspired by the popular television series Glee, which featured medleys and re-invented versions of songs from various genres and eras to appeal to diverse crowds including 1990s pop fans and Eurovision enthusiasts. The production, which included crowd-pleasing numbers like "Don't Stop Believin'", debuted in 2011 and became a staple of their performances at festivals, nightclubs, universities, and Pride events. David Ducasse noted that the show "has been going down a storm," highlighting its role in keeping the group active through interactive, upbeat medleys. Throughout the late and early , Scooch engaged in sporadic reunions centered on nostalgia-driven events, particularly Pride festivals in the UK and abroad, where they delivered celebratory sets that resonated with the LGBTQ+ community. These appearances, often headlining events like the inaugural Sunderland Pride in 2013, underscored the group's enduring appeal and stable dynamics, with members balancing joint efforts alongside individual pursuits. No new original music was released during this period, with the emphasis remaining on live reinterpretations of their established hits to maintain fan engagement.

Recent Developments

In April 2024, Scooch collaborated with , the official airline of the , on a promotional advert featuring a of their 2007 entry "Flying the Flag (For You)" titled "All Aboard the Orange Plane (The Eurovision Song)." The track, written by and performed by the full lineup of , Caroline Barnes, David Ducasse, and , was released on streaming platforms on May 10, 2024, ahead of the Eurovision Grand Final in , , with the music video garnering over 14 million views online. In May 2024, the group teased their first new original music in 17 years via , posting on Stories with artwork from their past hits and the caption questioning, "Maybe time to release another chart topping banger?" This hint followed their Eurovision-themed easyJet single and built anticipation among fans for a potential full comeback, though as of November 2025, no such release has occurred. As of 2025, Scooch members have pursued diverse individual careers while occasionally reuniting for select performances. serves as a and co-owner of All Stars Academy in , where she teaches performing arts; she is married with two children, including son Max born in 2008, and has released solo tracks like "Shattered Glass" while performing at club and events. Caroline Barnes works as a instructor, splitting her time between and ; she is married to bandmate and enjoys frequent travel. operates as a , company manager, and resident director, also based between and with his wife Caroline. David Ducasse continues as an actor and singer in , where he lives with his husband —a hair salon owner—and their dog Rocky; he survived a heart attack in 2019, now manages it with medication, and quit smoking following the incident, with their wedding postponed to 2020 due to the . Members of Scooch, featuring and David Ducasse, performed at the This is Festival on July 20, 2025, at Bents Park in , joining headliner and acts including , The Future is Queer, and Shelley Stevens as part of the free Sunday concert series; of will headline a separate date on August 3. In 2025 media coverage marking the 18th anniversary of their Eurovision participation, outlets highlighted the group's transformations and current lifestyles, noting how Powers appears "frozen in time," Barnes and Spencer maintain a jet-setting routine, and Ducasse sports a full post-health scare.

Discography

Studio Albums

Scooch's debut and only studio album to date, Four Sure, was released on 7 August 2000 by Accolade Records in the . The album peaked at number 41 on the and spent two weeks in the top 100. It featured a mix of and tracks, aligning with the bubblegum pop trends of the era. The album was produced by a team of contributors, including Stock and Aitken (Mike Stock and ), Mike and Matt, The Beatmasters, and Rose and Foster, across its 12 tracks. The album spawned the singles "When My Baby" (UK #29), "More Than I Needed to Know" (UK #5), "The Best Is Yet to Come" (UK #12), and "For Sure" (UK #15), three of which reached the UK top 20; its modest commercial performance led to Scooch being dropped by their label later that year.
TrackTitleDuration
1For Sure3:40
2More Than I Needed to Know3:31
3When My Baby3:35
4One of These Days3:35
5Zoom3:46
6Never Stop Believing3:25
7The Best Is Yet to Come3:34
8Stay4:00
9Next Step3:42
10Syncopated Rhythm3:34
11Music to My Heart4:03
12Third Time Lucky3:42
A Japanese edition titled Welcome to the Planet Pop was released on 28 June 2000 by , featuring a modified tracklist of 16 tracks and achieving top-20 success there. As of November 2025, Scooch has not released any additional studio albums, with the group focusing on live performances, reunions, and occasional single releases following their 2007 Eurovision entry.

Singles

Scooch's discography of singles primarily spans their active periods in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with a notable return in 2007 for the Eurovision Song Contest. Their releases were issued on CD and vinyl formats through Accolade Records for the initial run, transitioning to Warner Bros. Records for their later single. All singles achieved moderate success on the UK Singles Chart, with international traction particularly in Japan for one track. No certifications were awarded to any of their singles.
TitleRelease DateLabelUK PeakOther ChartsFormatsB-sides/Notes
"When My Baby"25 October 199929-, 12" vinylB-side: "When My Baby" (Tuff Jam Classic Vibe Mix); promo versions included.
"More Than I Needed to Know"10 January 20005 (#1), 12" vinyl, digital (later)Featured in MAX 2; B-sides included remixes by Motiv8.
"The Best Is Yet to Come"24 April 200012-, 12" vinylB-sides: "21st Century Heart" (demo version).
"For Sure"24 July 200015-, 12" vinylTitle track from debut album; B-sides included "For Sure" (Splash! Mainroom Mix).
"Flying the Flag (For You)"7 May 2007Warner Bros.5-, digitalEurovision entry; multilingual versions released; B-sides: instrumental and karaoke versions.

References

  1. https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/8346/scooch/
  2. https://eurovisionworld.com/eurovision/2007/united-kingdom
  3. https://www.easyjet.com/en/news/story/easyjet-teams-up-with-eurovision-icons-scooch-to-release-original-single-ahead-of-grand-final
  4. https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/eurovisions-scooch-stars-unrecognisable-18-35243335
  5. https://alikivi.com/2020/02/20/euro-goes-pop-in-conversation-with-david-ducasse-from-pop-band-scooch/
  6. https://www.bubblegumdancer.com/753-scooch/project/
  7. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scooch
  8. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/mike-stock-laitken-waterman-hits-interview-9533223/
  9. https://www.totparchive.co.uk/artist.php?name=scooch
  10. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/scooch-when-my-baby/
  11. https://chartsaroundtheworld.com/2000/12/31/japan-zip-fm-hot-100-2000/
  12. https://www.cantstopthepop.com/2019/01/07/scooch-more-than-i-needed-to-know/
  13. https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20000430/7501/
  14. https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20000827/7501/
  15. https://www.discogs.com/release/1091095-Scooch-Welcome-To-The-Planet-Pop
  16. https://www.discogs.com/release/1536492-Scooch-Four-Sure
  17. https://talkaboutpopmusic.com/2023/05/13/where-are-they-now-scooch/
  18. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2007/mar/20/popandrock.carolinesullivan
  19. https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2007/03_march/17/eurovision.shtml
  20. https://www.attitude.co.uk/culture/film-tv/interview-eurovision-legends-scooch-we-didnt-realise-just-how-competitive-some-artists-would-be-301375/
  21. https://www.ok.co.uk/lifestyle/eurovision-losers-scooch-unrecognisable-17-32763251
  22. https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/uk-eurovision-entry-scooch-back-26782483
  23. https://www.theguardian.com/media/2007/mar/20/broadcasting.musicnews
  24. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ns0FwNg_n8w
  25. https://eurovisionworld.com/national/united-kingdom/eurovision-making-your-mind-up-2007
  26. https://retropopmagazine.com/nicki-french-reveals-she-was-originally-part-of-scoochs-2007-eurovision-performance-exclusive/
  27. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/[entertainment](/page/Entertainment)/6621051.stm
  28. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6621051.stm
  29. https://www.theguardian.com/culture/tvandradioblog/2007/mar/19/flyingtheflagscoochwillcr
  30. https://theconversation.com/hard-evidence-is-the-uk-shunned-at-eurovision-26354
  31. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6654719.stm
  32. https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2007/04_april/24/eurovision_scooch.shtml
  33. https://www.digitalspy.com/music/music-videos/a46126/scooch-flying-the-flag-for-you/
  34. https://metro.co.uk/2023/05/13/eurovision-i-represented-the-uk-and-this-is-what-you-dont-see-18687100/
  35. https://www.alamy.com/scooch-representing-the-united-kingdom-sing-their-song-entitled-flying-the-flag-for-you-at-a-dress-rehearsal-for-the-2007-eurovision-song-contest-in-helsinki-finland-friday-may-11-2007-the-final-of-the-contest-will-be-held-saturday-may-12-in-helsinki-ap-photoalastair-grant-image540664830.html
  36. https://eurovision.tv/event/helsinki-2007/grand-final
  37. https://graziadaily.co.uk/life/music/natalie-scooch-tells-us-really-like-perform-eurovision/
  38. https://retropopmagazine.com/scooch-tease-new-music-another-chart-topping-banger/
  39. https://mag.bent.com/2011/11/david-ducasse/
  40. https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/music/interview-gordon-barr-chats-david-1404663/
  41. https://uk.style.yahoo.com/eurovision-losers-scooch-unrecognisable-17-081307551.html
  42. https://www.southtyneside.gov.uk/article/27014/New-Additions-to-This-is-South-Tyneside-Festival-Sunday-Concerts
  43. https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/albums-chart/20000820/7502/
  44. https://www.discogs.com/master/895143-Scooch-Four-Sure
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