By Alanah Eriksen


Tragedy! Steps performed the same dance moves that made them famous during their cover of the Bee Gees' hit in Manchester

They started out as energetic twenty-somethings who went on to sell more than 10million records.

But as they repeat the choreographed dances that will cool in the 1990s, Steps appear dated and comical.

Especially when they are all aged in their mid to late thirties.

In their prime: The band show the dance move to Prince Charles at Party in the Park 1999

The reunited pop band performed for about 6,000 adoring fans in Manchester in the first concert since they split 10 years ago.

The band were in the city's Trafford Centre to turn on the store's Christmas lights.

They performed the exact same dance for their well-known cover of the Beegees' Tragedy, with a hand on each side of their face, swaying from side to side.

Five, six, seven eight: The reunited Steps performed at the Trafford Centre in Manchester as they turned on the Christmas lights

Hands in the air! Steps also performer their hit, Deeper shade of Blue in front of 6,000 adoring fans

They moved in unison, holding onto one another, shimmying, pointing their fingers in the air and made an air guitar move.

But thousands of loyal admirers packed the centre, repeating the moves that made them famous.

The band, consisting of Ian 'H' Watkins, Lee Latchford-Evans, Fay Tozer, Claire Richards and Lisa Scott-Le, also sang Deeper Shade of Blue.

Fuller figured: Mother-of-two Claire has endured a very public battle with her weight, admitting she gained four stone after her Steps career, but slimmed down for her wedding in 2008

She's still got it: The brunette of the group, Lisa Scott-lee, showed off her legs in this skirt and lacy top combo


Ian said afterwards: '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.'

The city's M.E.N Arena was the host to the band's last live gig, so it was rather fitting that they returned there during their reunion.

Busting out the old moves: Faye Tozer moved her body in a pair of skin-tight leather leggings

He can still get down: Former celebrity Big Brother contestant Ian Watkins works up a sweat on stage

Ian told the Manchester Evening News: 'We ended in Manchester and now we’re starting again in Manchester.'

Lee said: 'We’re overwhelmed with the response and everything that’s been going on.
we’ve had a number one album and now we’re going out on tour. it’s fantastic.

'I think the best thing about being back together is being friends again. We had so many experiences with each other and so many more to look forward to now.'

Is it that time already? Lee Latchford-Evans gets into the Christmas spirit in front of a large Christmas tree at the Trafford Centre


The performance was ahead of the band's upcoming tour next year which they say they have already started rehearsing for.

It will kick off at Belfasts' Odyssy Arena on April 2 and will conclude at the O2 in London on April 19.

They are currently enjoying a major come-back, with a number nne album and a also a reality show.

Fay said yesterday: 'At first it was like our whole lives had been turned around, it was so overwhelming, but now it all feels strangely normal. We’re really excited about what’s ahead.'

Ready, steady: The band animatedly prepare to push the lever to turn on the Christmas lights as Claire leads the dialogue

Go! The members push the lever happily as fans scream and cheer for the hit '90s popstars

Things are going well for us: Claire and Faye wave to their fans

On stage, Lisa enthused: '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.'

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

Rocking out: Faye and Ian bust a move in Manchester where the band played their last concert in 2001

Gordon McKinnon, director of operations at The Trafford Centre, said of the event: '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.'

Packed to the brim: Fans took over the Trafford Centre, screaming and cheering for the band





source:dailymail