Steps storm The Trafford Centre

NINETIES popstars Steps reunited on stage last night for the first time in more than a decade, as they switched on The Trafford Centre’s famous Christmas lights display.

Claire, Faye, Lisa, Lee and “H” performed hits including their smash hit Tragedy in front of a capacity audience, the first time the band have played in front of a crowd since their split in 2001.

Ian “H” Watkins said after the event: “We have just been blown away by the reception of the Trafford Centre crowd. It seems nobody has forgotten the dance steps from our routines, judging by the number of fans who joined in tonight!

“The Christmas lights at The Trafford Centre look fantastic, and this magical event has really got us all in the Christmas mood.”

On stage, Lisa Scott-Lee said: “We are so proud to be back at The Trafford Centre – and we’ll be performing twice in Manchester during our tour, because you guys wanted it!”

Around 6000 fans witnessed the stage come-back, with many using Twitter and Facebook to spread the word of the band’s appearance.

The band are currently enjoying a major come-back, with a Number One album and a sold-out arena tour of the UK.

Over the five years they were together, Steps achieved a series of charting singles between 1997 and 2001 including 2 number one singles in the UK, 2 number one albums in the UK, 14 consecutive top 5 singles in the UK and a string of hits throughout Europe. The group have sold over 10 million records and 2 million concert tickets worldwide.

They were joined on stage by Coronation Street stars Kate Ford (Tracey Barlow) and Nikki Patel (Amber Kalirai), by X Factor’s man-band of the moment The Reason 4, and stars of the Dirty Dancing musical at Manchester’s Palace Theatre.

Gordon McKinnon, director of operations at The Trafford Centre, said: “Once again our free Christmas Lights show has captured the imagination of our customers, and really given us an amazing kick-start to the festive shopping season.

“Steps are all over the headlines at the moment, and riding high in the charts. We couldn’t think of a better family act to celebrate with, they really stole the show.

“The Trafford Centre is now open longer for shopping in the run-up to Christmas, and our usual free parking, Santa Claus’ Ice Palace Grotto, brass bands and choirs will be creating a fantastic festive atmosphere.”