Pop royalty walks among us the one and only Sophie Ellis-Bextor was recently spotted filming a new video smack bang in the middle of Stockport town centre.
The early 2000s hit-maker and veteran of the charts has been going through somewhat of a renaissance over the past year or so, now finding herself back in the mainstream consciousness, playing some huge festival slots up and down the UK and rightly reminding everyone what an icon she is.
In truth, this comeback is at least somewhat in part down to her ultimate classic, ‘Murder on the Dancefloor’, being featured in that scene from the 2023 film Saltburn, but we couldn’t care one bit as to how and why it happened – we’re just glad to have her back and, apparently, so close to home.
As recorded by Stockport local Brian Howell last week, Sophie Ellis-Bextor was being filmed walking through a set located in the Greater Manchester borough’s historic ‘Old Town’ district and right past the recognisable market hall.
‘Murder on the Market Floor’? ‘Get Over You and Underbank‘?
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That’s precisely two more Sophie Ellis-Bextor meets Stockport-based puns than we ever thought we’d get to utter out loud, to be honest, so we’re pretty happy with ourselves.
While local outlet Stop in Stockport reported that the filming looked to be for a new music video and the 45-year-old is working on a new album set to drop later this year – which will be her seventh studio outing following 2023’s HANA – there have been no hints as to when we might expect a first tease.
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Alternatively, as many people were left speculating in the comments, Ellis-Bextor has been involved in a number of campaigns with brands like Marks and Spencer and LG in recent years, so it could just as easily be for an advert or some other kind of commercial shoot.
Who knows, maybe it’s a collab? ‘This isn’t just any music video, this is an M&S music video…’
Only time will tell whether or not the next era of Sophie Ellis-Bextor tunes is going to kick off with a random music video filmed in Stockport but we’re just honoured to have been graced with her presence, even if only by proximity.
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Either way, we are very much enjoying Americans suddenly discovering ‘Murder on the Dancefloor’ more than two decades later and finding out how much of a banger it is – long may it continue.
It’s also not the only thing of note that’s been filmed around SK recently.
Role Model adds Manchester arena show to world tour after huge demand
Daisy Jackson
Platinum-certified singer-songwriter Role Model has just added a huge Manchester gig to his upcoming world tour.
The star – real name Tucker Pillsbury – had previously only added one single UK date to his Chuck on Tour tour, and that was down in London.
But now Role Model is officially heading north, announcing a massive gig at the AO Arena in Manchester.
The news follows a sold-out run of dates last year, which brought him to the (much smaller) O2 Apollo here.
His star really rose after the release and viral success of his 2025 single, ‘Sally, When the Wine Runs Out’.
And now with a third studio album to his name – Chuck Timely & The Hourglass – Role Model is ready to return to Manchester and London on his 2026-2027 global tour.
The tour will travel across North America before heading overseas, with dates across Europe early next year.
Keni Titus will support Role Model at all dates on the UK and European leg of the Chuck on Tour tour.
Role Model will perform at the AO Arena in Manchester on Sunday 28 February, with pre-sales available on 4 and 5 November before general release tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday 6 November – grab yours HERE.
Pop icons S Club announce new arena tour, with huge Manchester gig
Daisy Jackson
S Club will be heading back to Manchester on a newly-announced 13-date arena tour next year.
The pop icons have announced the Ain’t No Party Like A S Club Party tour, which will see Bradley, Jo, Jon, Rachel and Tina back on stage for the ultimate pop party.
The huge tour includes a night at the AO Arena in Manchester, as well as two gigs at the O2 in London.
S Club are one of Britain’s most successful pop groups, formerly known as S Club 7, who went on to become a cultural phenomenon with their own TV series – one of which, L.A. 7, remains the highest-rated programme of all time on CBBC.
Their smash hits include Reach, Don’t Stop Movin, Bring It All Back, Never Had A Dream Come True, and S Club Party.
In 2023, S Club celebrated their 25th anniversary with a sellout UK and US tour, shortly after the tragic death of former member Paul Cattermole.
Now, five of the original seven are ready to bring the party back to Manchester, as S Club return to the stage.
They’ll have very special guests supporting on the tour too, announcing Boyzlife, the supergroup made up of the former Boyzone and Westlife members Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden.
S Club say: “We can’t wait to get back out on tour, see you all and celebrate the songs, memories and moments we’ve shared together over the years.
“It’s going to be one BIG party, and we want you all to be part of it!”
S Club will play the AO Arena in Manchester on Saturday 9 October 2027.
Tickets for all shows go on sale at 9.30am on Friday 6 November HERE.
Danny Jones -
6th August 2024 
