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    Stacey Solomon reveals the stunning view from Pickle Cottage bathroom as she fills the tub after budget family holiday

    STACEY Solomon has given fans a glimpse of the stunning view from her Pickle Cottage bathroom.The Loose Women star showed off the beautiful scenery outside her Essex pad as she filled her bathtub after returning from a budget family holiday.Stacey Solomon shared a sneak peek of her amazing gardenStacey, Joe and their kids Rex, Rose and Belle had a lovely time on holidayCredit: StaceySolomon – InstagramStacey, 34, filmed her white tub filled with bubbles and slowly walked away from it to show off the incredible views from the window.She confessed: “Been looking forward to this.”Stacey played Kira’s song Home in the background. The star was happy to be back at home after a few days away with husband Joe, 42, and their kids Rex, four, Rose, two, and one-year-old Belle.Read more on Stacey SolomonThe family travelled to Kent Coast Holiday Park for a well deserved break. Stacey took to her Instagram to share some snaps from their time away. She captioned the post: “Time to say goodbye. The state of us. I had to bribe our family home from the caravan park today because it’s back to school tomorrow.”There must be some kind of stigma around holiday parks because so many of you messaged saying you couldn’t believe that’s where we’d chosen to go!Most read in Celebrity”Honestly I think they’re THE best. “I don’t care what anyone says, there’s just something so magical for kids about a holiday park! Inside Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash’s £435 caravan trip as she’s ‘held hostage’ in holiday park”The freedom, fresh air, the giant characters, the stepping into a different world & forgetting all concept of time. “It’s special. Everyone is slightly dishevelled, we have no clean clothes left, our hands stink of two p’s.”We had a thousand tickets from the arcade that got us some sweets & a sling shot when we cashed them in.”Now it’s time to get us all in the bath, get that washing machine on & get ready for the school runs in the morning.”Stacey is also mum to Zachary, 15, and Leighton, 11, who are from previous relationships. Earlier this month Stacey hit back after receiving ’10 million warning messages’ from fans about her family pets – Teddy and Peanut.In a video posted to her page, one fan pointed out that Rose had dropped from raisins on the floor – which is a food that dogs shouldn’t eat.Replying to a fan, Stacey said: “This is why I was telling Rose we have to pick them up and they can’t be eaten by the doggies and there are no doggies around Belle’s high chair when usually that’s their favourite spot.”But just in case any of that still wasn’t clear… DON’T feed raisins to dog.”The X Factor legend Stacey and former EastEnders star Joe first started dating in 2016.READ MORE SUN STORIESStacey and Joe got engaged in 2020 and tied the knot at their home in 2022.They moved into Pickle Cottage in 2021.Stacey and Joe were all smiles on their tripCredit: StaceySolomon – InstagramThe family posed for snaps togetherCredit: StaceySolomon – Instagram More

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    Jennifer Lopez, 54, looks like she’s ageing backwards as she shows off her legs in pink sequin mini-dress

    JENNY from the Block is back in the Big Apple as she wears as pink sequin minidress.Jennifer Lopez, 54, wore matching bubblegum pink heels to complete her look at the launch of a campaign at lingerie brand Intimissimi’s flagship store in New York.Jennifer Lopez, 54, looks like she’s ageing backwards in this pink minidress as she poses for IntermissiCredit: GettyJ-Lo attends a premiere in FebruaryCredit: AFP – GettyThe On the Floor singer was born in The Bronx but now lives in Los Angeles with husband Ben Affleck, 51.She is gearing up for the start of her tour This Is Me…Live in Orlando in June.J-Lo and Ben had a long and tumultuous journey to the altar, beginning over 20 years ago.The beloved couple first met in 2002 while on the set of their movie Gigli.READ MORE JENNIFER LOPEZAt the time, the Boy Next Door star was married to her second husband Chris Judd.But shortly after their July divorce, J-Lo and Ben went public with their relationship.Then, in November of 2002, Ben proposed to the hitmaker for the first time.The famed lovers were set to tie the knot in September 2003 but just one day prior to the ceremony decided to postpone the wedding.Most read in CelebrityIn the wake of the wedding cancellation, Ben and J-Lo took a short break, before rekindling and then officially called it quits in January of 2004.But by April 2021, J-Lo and Ben began seeing each other romantically once more.Just one month later, the pair announced their second engagement.Make-up free Jennifer Lopez breaks down in tears as she pays tribute to husband Ben Affleck in new documentary More

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    Dannii Minogue, 52, looks like she’s ageing backwards as she shows off her legs in pink playsuit

    DANNII Minogue today looked like she is ageing backwards as she showed off her endless pins in a pink playsuit.The 52-year-old star shot to fame over three decades ago and has remained in the spotlight ever since.Dannii Minogue put on leggy display todayCredit: InstagramThe much-loved star showed off her timeless good looksCredit: InstagramDannii shot to fame at the end of the 80s when she appeared on Home and AwayCredit: Rex FeaturesDannii today looked timeless as she hung out backstage on QVC,Dressed in a stunning all-in-one pink outfit, she playfully flashed her toned legs for the camera.The Aussie beauty looked fresh-faced and like she hadn’t aged a dayBlowing kisses for the camera, Danni captioned the video with: “Never straight-laced.”read more on dannii minogueDanni got her first taste of fame when she followed in her sister Kylie Minogue’s footsteps and became a soap star.After joining Home and Away in 1989, she then went down the pop star route like her big sis.Asked if the superstar siblings clashed in their youth, Danni told The Sun last year: “We did fight. “I think you have to”, before she added that prior to finding fame in the Eighties, they still got on “most of the time”.Most read in CelebrityBut much as they love the glitter and glitz, Danni told us how her and her Kylie also enjoy hanging out in old tattered clothes on their family farm in Melbourne.The former X Factor judge — who had hits with Put The Needle On It and I Begin To Wonder in the early 2000s — revealed how taking a break from her pristine pop star image is important.Dannii Minogue looks sensational as she appears on The One ShowDannii revealed: “The minute we step on the farm, Kylie and I have clothes that are old, they’ve got holes in them . . . we won’t let go of them.“We look homeless. And that feels so good after all the lashes and make-up and heels and hair — which we love, but it’s that balance, because it’s so extreme what we do on stage.”She moved back to Australia in 2011, after 22 years of living in London, because she wanted to raise son Ethan, now 13, near her family.“I just wanted that pod feeling,” she said. “I didn’t know what the hell I was doing so I wanted to be near Mum.”Dannii with her big sister Kylie MinogueCredit: GettyThe following year she split with Ethan’s father, former rugby player Kris Smith, 45, and is now dating music producer Adrian Newman.She also told us how mentoring acts on The X Factor — which she won in 2007 with Leon Jackson and in 2010 with Matt Cardle — instilled a maternal instinct and made her want to be a mum.Dannii said: “I had never thought of being a mum.“It was through that experience of this mentoring that I thought, ‘I love this.’ “I love putting energy into someone and seeing them blossom.READ MORE SUN STORIES“And who would’ve thought? I never thought I’d be in the job — and I never thought that would unlock that feeling for me.“And here I am, a mum, and I love it.”Dannii won The X Factor in 2007 with Leon Jackson and in 2010 with Matt CardleCredit: TalkBack Thames More

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    Moment Billie Eilish is caught kissing gorgeous female YouTuber at Coachella festival

    COULD this glamorous YouTuber be Billie Eilish’s new lover?The What Was I Made For singer was pictured grabbing gorgeous influencer Quenlin Blackwell and planting a smacker square on her lips while letting her hair down at Coachella festival in California.Billie Eilish was spotted kissing influencer Quenlin Blackwell at CoachellaCredit: TikTok / @averycyrusThe singer has been open about her desires for the fairer sexCredit: Rex FeaturesBillie, who told last year that she is attracted to both men and women, was caught on video getting close to Quenlin, who is openly bisexual.Billie is also now using her music to sing about her desires for the fairer sex, too.She threw a party at the festival where new songs from her upcoming album Hit Me Hard And Soft were played by the DJ, including the suggestive track Lunch.On the tune, she sings: “I could eat that girl for lunch, yeah, she dances on my tongue.READ MORE ON COACHELLA“Tastes like she might be the one and I can never get enough.“I could buy you so much stuff, it’s a craving, not a crush.”Good on her.Other songs the DJ gave us snippets of ahead of the record’s release on May 17 included Chihiro and L’Amour De Ma Vie. Most read in BizarreBillie addressed the subject of girls last year, saying: “I’m physically attracted to them. But I’m also so intimidated by them and their beauty and their presence.”Reflecting on the comments afterwards, she added: “I was like, ‘Oh, I guess I came out today!’Kesha changes iconic TikTok lyrics to brutally shade Diddy as she surprises Coachella crowd on stage with Renee Rapp“I kind of thought, ‘wasn’t it obvious?’ “I didn’t realise people didn’t know. “I just don’t really believe in it. “I’m just like, ‘why can’t we just exist?’ “I’ve been doing this for a long time, and I just didn’t talk about it.”Billie also has also said her celeb crush was Stranger Things actress Maya Hawke, posting a snap of her online when asked about it by fans.She has dated rocker Jesse Rutherford and actor Matthew Tyler Vorce, but has never been romantically linked to a woman.Billie, who joined Lana Del Rey on stage as a special guest during her headline set on Friday, said last year that she had been single for some time — but perhaps she will have something to tell us soon.I’m sure there are plenty of men and women who would love to land a date with her.Gorgeous influencer Quenlin is known from YouTubeCredit: GettyHURT IN ONE NEL OF A FALLNELLY Furtado was left bleeding and bruised following a painful tumble on stage.She joined DJ Dom Dolla during his set to join in on their 2023 collaboration Eat Your Man, but ended up eating the ground instead.Nelly Furtado was left bleeding after taking a painful tumble on stageCredit: Instagram / Nelly FurtadoThankfully she quickly recovered and got back up to continue her performance, but showed off her injuries afterwards.Sharing picture above of her bloodied thumb on Instagram, Nelly wrote: “Literally left it all on stage, including my blood.”Hopefully the I’m Like A Bird singer will fare better when she headlines London’s Mighty Hoopla festival in June.Kim Petras, Artful Dodger, Cher Lloyd and B*Witched will also play the event on June 1, while Jessie Ware is headlining the next day.Artists including Rita Ora, Delta Goodrem, Cat Burns and Alison Goldfrapp are on the bill too.The Man in Black makes comebackI REVEALED last week how Will Smith was working on a huge publicity drive to get him back into the spotlight after that Oscars slap.And first up was a turn on stage with Latin megastar J Balvin.Will Smith pays tribute to his role in Men In BlackCredit: GettyHis performance with Latin megastar J Balvin might be part of his attempt to win back his reputation after that Oscars slapCredit: GettyWill joined J as he sung Men In Black from 1997, even dressing as his film character Agent J.As well as bringing out Will as a surprise, J put on the best staging of the weekend – which included an eerie UFO and a mechanical praying mantis.J is coming to play a huge show at London’s O2 Arena on June 5, with some tickets for the gig still available.After witnessing what he did at Coachella, I can’t wait to see what he’s bringing to his O2 show.SUKI STILL SU-KEEN ON ROBA BABY can put pressure on any relationship, but Suki Waterhouse is still singing the praises of boyfriend Robert Pattinson.The actress and singer has just released song My Fun, in which she waxes lyrical about the Twilight actor, after giving birth to their daughter last month.Suki Waterhouse is clearly still keen on Robert Pattinson right after she gave birth to their daughterCredit: APSuki, who played the festival on Friday, sings: “God, it feels good to find someone who loves me, who loves me like I love my fun.“So strip off your clothes, step into the sea, skinny dip tripping where no one sees.”She continues: “God, you’re so pretty I fell to the floor. You helped me back up and kissed my lips sore.“Pack up your bags and head out the door, never felt so damn turned on before.“Everyone said I’m too crazy to keep, but you’re the one who sweeps me off of my feet.”If only my boyfriend was so glowing about me.SHAKIRA used her surprise performance to announce her first tour in six years.She said on stage alongside Bizarrap: “Thank you for inviting me, Bizarrap. I am finally going on tour. Starting here this November, this year in this city. “I can’t wait. I couldn’t ask for more. Thank you.”Do us a favour and bring it here too, Shakira.KESH NOT FEELIN’ IT FOR DIDDYKESHA took a swipe at P Diddy after he was hit with allegations of sexual abuse.She made a surprise appearance with Renee Rapp, both pictured, at the event on Sunday, where she performed her 2010 hit TiK ToK, but changed the lyrics.Renée Rapp joined Kesha onstage as the singer performed her 2010 hit TiK ToKCredit: GettyOn the original, she sang: “Wake up in the morning feeling like P Diddy.” But she instead sang: “Wake up in the morning like, f*** P Diddy.”The rapper has denied any wrongdoing after his homes were raided as part of an investigation into alleged sex trafficking.He might want to take that tune off his playlist, then…Itt’s… Doja!SOMETHING tells us Doja Cat has been watching a bit of the Addams Family on telly – because she dressed a lot like Cousin Itt at Coachella.The US singer wore this long blonde wig and hairy boots for part of her headline set, and even roped in a load of yeti-style dancers to join her.Doja Cat wore a long blonde wig and roped in a load of yeti-style dancers to join her on stageCredit: GettyShe looked a bit like Cousin Itt from The Addams FamilyDoja changed stage outfit multiple times, also wearing a furry white thong and a Breaking Bad-style boiler suit and gloves.The changes in her set didn’t go down as well with the crowd though.Like with Blur, some moaned that Doja missed out some of her biggest songs from her 21-track set, including Kiss Me More, Woman and No Say So.There was also an encore of, erm, Wet Vagina, a song which pokes fun at the Kardashian sisters.Hopefully she didn’t bump into Kendall Jenner in the VIP area, as that could have been very awkward.Doja, right, changed her costumes multiple times and also sported a furry white thongCredit: GettyThis look could be straight out of Breaking BadCredit: GettyTEMS was joined during her set by very special guests Justin Bieber and Wizkid.The Nigerian singer welcomed them on stage while performing Wizkid’s 2020 song Essence, which she featured on.Justin’s appearance gave hope that he might soon return to music.He axed his 2022 tour for the good of his health but it sounds like he is in much better shape now.GRIMES apologised after delivering what has been dubbed the worst set in Coachella’s history.The Canadian did a DJ stint but was beset by technical issues and ended up screaming into a mic. She later said on X: “I want to apologise.“This was one of the first times I’ve outsourced essential things like rekordbox bpm’s and letting someone else organise the tracks on the sd card etc.”DAMON FURY AT POSEY PUNTERSI’M backing Damon Albarn for calling out the bores in the crowd.He performed with Blur at the first weekend of the festival and put on a decent 13-song set with classics including The Narcissist and Popscene.Damon Albarn called out the Americans in the crowd who didn’t seem so keen to hear his musicCredit: AFP via GettyBut while us Brits watching the gig at home loved it, Americans in the crowd didn’t seem so keen.And it wasn’t long until Damon had had enough and mocked them from the stage.As he tried to start a singalong to their 1994 classic Girls & Boys, Damon was met by a stony silence, so shouted at them: “You’re never seeing us again so you might as well f***ing sing it, know what I’m saying?”I do, Damon. And I’d not bother going back either.I’ve seen Blur live twice over here and they were absolutely brilliant both times.Not all acts translate well in the US and clearly Blur couldn’t be further from the Coachella in-crowd, which is mostly made up of vain influencers who turn up simply to show off on Instagram, not listen to the songs.Stick to Glastonbury and decent British festivals, Damon, where fans are in it for the love of music – not the love of likes.SALTBURN’s Barry Keoghan was in the crowd to cheer on his singer girlfriend Sabrina Carpenter – but he looked most excited to bump into Stormzy.He shared this snap online of him and the rapper, at the festival as a punter with girlfriend Maya Jama. READ MORE SUN STORIESSaltburn’s Barry Keoghan looked happy to have bumped into StormzyCredit: InstagramBarry’s mask was to protect him from the dust at the Empire Polo Club venue, which gets festival-goers’ clogged up. Waking up with a dry mouth after a big night out is bad enough, without that too. More

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    Loved-up James Martin beams as he pats new girlfriend Kim Johnson’s bum after splitting from partner of 12 years

    JAMES Martin beamed as he was spotted patting his new girlfriend Kim Johnson on the bum. The This Morning chef previous split from his TV producer partner of 12 years back in March. James Martin was spotted out and about with his new partner Kim JohnsonCredit: BackGridHe gave his new girlfriend a cheeky pat on the bum as they were spotted in LondonCredit: BackGridHe previously split from Louise Davies back December last year after a 12 years togetherCredit: GettyJames, 51, is best known for his work on huge TV shows such as Saturday Kitchen for the BBC and ITV’s Saturday Morning. He began dating TV producer Louise Davies in 2011 after they met on the set of Celebrity Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.They previously lived in Hampshire together before they relocated to a stunning rural home.Now it seems that he has well and truly moved on as he’s been spotted out and about with his new love interest Kim Johnson.READ MORE ON JAMES MARTINBack in March the pair were previously spotted on a shopping trip together, but now they are well and truly loved-up. He cut a casual figure in a blue shirt and a complimentary navy zip-up gilet fleece and trousers as he strolled through the streets of London.The TV presenter attempted to keep a low-profile as he sported a blue baseball cap and large sunglasses as he packed on the PDA with his new love interest. Meanwhile, Kim looked glam in a chic cream blazer, high-waisted chequered blue trousers and a tucked-in grey top. Most read in ShowbizThe pair shared a warm embrace as they spent quality time together arm-in-arm. James’ representative previously confirmed he split with Louise to the Daily Mail and revealed the former couple parted ways back in December.Inside James Martin’s astonishing romance with Bond boss Barbara Broccoli who showered him with gifts & Hollywood invites – before split over £180k presentBefore his previous relationship, James enjoyed a five year romance with esteemed James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli. This was after she bid for him to cook for her at a celebrity auction back in 2001.Meanwhile, Kim was previously married to businessman and entrepreneur Arun Nayar for just a year and they later split in 2017.She was his third wife after his second marriage to actress Elizabeth Hurley came to an end in 2011.He attempted to keep a low profile in a blue cap and large sunglassesCredit: BackGridThey both beamed as they spent quality time togetherCredit: BackGridThe duo looked extremely cosy as they strolled arm-in-arm through the streets of LondonCredit: BackGrid More

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    Paul McCartney had wild threesome with two Beatles fans that lasted for three days, new book reveals

    SIR Paul McCartney romped with two female fans for three days in The Beatles’ heyday, says a book.The singer’s love-in ended when future wife Linda turned up at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles, it is claimed.A new book has claimed Sir Paul McCartney had a threesome for three days with fans during The Beatles’ primeThe romp ended when future wife Linda turned up, it’s claimedRecord label executive Ron Kass, who died in 1986, was sharing a suite with Sir Paul and said: “There was this, bungalow. Paul was just in there for three days and three nights with these girls.“Then Linda arrived. Paul and Linda didn’t know each other that well, but she arrived and Paul and the two girls were still with him.“Paul got rid of the girls then he took Linda in, so Linda got in there during the night.” Also in the book, film director David Puttnam claims Paul was the biggest lothario in the band, ahead of John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr.READ MORE ON PAUL MCCARTNEYMr Puttnam said: “Paul, he f***ed everything that moved and yet didn’t seem to want to.“Out of the bunch, they always regarded him as the beauty.”Never-before-published interviews with Paul, now 81, are also included in All You Need Is Love: The End of the Beatles.In one Paul admitted the band were “not in the least bit celibate”, adding: “There were many, many, many, many wild oats sewn from the word go.Most read in Celebrity“British tours, we used to have a little routine we worked out with the tour manager.“If there was someone getting particularly hot on the front row that you liked, he’d say, ‘Do you wanna go backstage and see the boys?’.. then they’d meet us.”Paris Jackson sits next to her dad’s old nemesis Paul McCartney at Stella McCartney show In the late 1960s actress Jane Asher broke up with Paul when she caught him in bed with scriptwriter Francie Schwartz.He also dated British model Anita Cochrane and German actress Gloria Mackh. He was wed to Linda from 1969 until her death in 1998. Paul married Heather Mills in 2002 but they divorced six years later. He is now married to Nancy Shevell.
    DO you have a story about a star? Call 0207 782 4104, email exclusive @the-sun.co.uk or text/ WhatsApp 07423 720 250.
    Also in the book, film director David Puttnam claims Paul was the biggest lothario in the bandCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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    Brooklyn Beckham’s wife Nicola’s movie slammed as ‘poverty porn’ as critics say it ‘doesn’t even deserve a hate watch’

    NICOLA Peltz Beckham’s new movie has been slammed by critics who have called it “poverty porn”.The other Mrs Beckham made her directorial debut for Lola, and also stars in it as well.Nicola Peltz’s new movie has been slammed by criticsCredit: RexThe actress is married to Brooklyn BeckhamCredit: The Mega AgencyThe film has been slammed for being ‘poverty pron’Credit: RexNicola with her billionaire dad Nelson PeltzCredit: INSTAGRAM/NICOLA PELTZHowever, Brooklyn Beckham’s wife, who’s father Nelson Peltz is a billionaire, has been called “out of touch” and “tone deaf” by movie critics. In the film, Nicola plays a young woman who struggles to save enough money to get her little brother out of their toxic home.Ina series of cliches she turns to stripping and taking drugs, before becoming a teenage mum.Lola, which premiered on February 9, with a limited theatrical and digital release, marks Nicola’s writing and directorial debut, and her first leading role.Read more on Nicola PeltzBut due to the film’s “out of touch cliches” surrounding poverty issues, the movie has been panned by critics.Some even went as far as to call it “poverty porn”.This means the film is being accused of exploiting poverty for entertainment and artistic recognition.This movie was meant to see Nicola step into the big league, as a leading lady and also a director.Most read in CelebritySince kicking off her acting career at the age of 11 she had small roles in movies like Transformers.Meanwhile, The Sun recently revealed that Nicola has got her eye on signing up to Strictly this year.An insider told us: “Nicola is known in the US but over in the UK she’s at the bottom of the publicity pecking order in Brooklyn’s famous family.Victoria Beckham makes huge public gesture to daughter-in-law Nicola Peltz after ‘wedding dress feud’“She has a team behind her who are keen on boosting her profile over here — and Brooklyn is right behind her.“Strictly has been mooted as the perfect show for Nicola.“She’s an accomplished actress, has the right look and appearing on the show would attract a huge amount of positive promotion.“Her team are playing a long game and they’ve been slowly upping her profile to get her on the radar of a wider audience.“She’s teamed up with Pretty Little Thing and was papped in their clothes last week. It’s all part of the plan to start building up her profile with Brooklyn. They want to become known as a couple in their own right.“Nicola’s genuinely got something about her, so has every hope of building on her own fame away from Brand Beckham — 2024 promises to be an exciting time for BNB.”Nicola and Brooklyn met in 2017, but did not start dating until two years later.Brooklyn popped the question in July 2020 – and promised her he’ll be the “best husband and daddy”.The star couple married, at a Miami ceremony that reportedly cost £3M, and was attended by all manner of A-list celebrities.READ MORE SUN STORIESGuests included Eva Longoria, chef Gordon Ramsay, model Gigi Hadid, fashion designer Nicole Ritchie, Brooklyn’s ex Sofia Richie and Elton John.There was a mini Spice Girls reunion for Victoria Beckham too, with Melanie Brown and Melanie Chisholm also in attendance.Lola was released in FebruaryCredit: RexNicola married into the famous Beckham familyCredit: Getty More

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    Legendary 90s rock frontwoman has barely aged a day in the 29 years since chart hits – as band reunites for UK tour

    HER band’s crunchy indie power pop made fans of some all time music legends like Madonna and Morrissey.Thirty years after they cut through the bustling Britpop scene of the 90s, Echobelly are back with a tour and a soon to be released new album – their first in seven years.Sonya Madan is preparing to go out on the road with EchobellyCredit: GettyLeading the line is Sonya Madan, 56, the lyrical firebrand behind hits like King of the Kerb and Great Things from the group’s sophomore album On.Along with guitarist and fellow songwriter Glenn Johnasson, she will play 11 dates across the country next month including sold out shows in Bristol and London.The group appears to have its mojo back and has teased a number of updates from the studio in recent months.Back in January, Sonya – who looks barely a day older than her 90s pomp – told fans: “Album is mixed. Next step mastering. Photo of us hanging in studio while Chopper makes bass magic.”While in a personal update the following month she delved into her own past, rummaging through a chest of forgotten treasures.She said: “Childhood #diaries, student day #photos, #love letters, fan mail and a handwritten note from #Morrissey with his address. Isn’t it a weird feeling when you stumble upon your past? Do you recognise the person you once were?”The group had the world at their feet in the 90s, but a legal dispute later in the decade derailed their momentum.Sonya previously detailed how the group’s management thwarted opportunities that were coming their way over in America.Most read in MusicThe block cracking the States led to a messy firing that turned into a two-year long court battle.The debacle allegedly only came to an end when a barrister representing the band informed the other party that there was no money to be gained from continuing with proceedings. While that was a low point of the decade, there was much for Echobelly to celebrate and be proud of too.FAMOUS FANSThe band were nearly signed by Madonna, who was a massive fan of Sonya’s in particular, and they received high praise from another American powerhouse, R.E.M.Speaking to LouderSound in 2021, Sonya reflected modestly on having legends as admirers.She said: “When I think about it now, it’s probably more exciting than it was at the time, because then I kind of just went with the flow, it all seemed to happen naturally. I didn’t grow up being a music aficionado or obsessed with it, so for me it was almost like a slightly out of body experience, kind of aware of it all happening.”Explaining how they nearly joined forces with queen of pop, Madge, Sonya said: “Madonna was trying to sign us, but we’d just signed a deal with Sony so it was impossible – she wanted us for the American Maverick label. “It didn’t happen, but she referred to me in a tabloid as a real “star”, which was something rather moving coming from someone like her because whatever you think of her, she is a star. “And as for REM, they said that we basically inspired them to get back into writing when they heard the Bellyache EP and they wrote Monster after that, which was their biggest selling album, so that again was an amazing thing to hear.”Closer to home, The Smiths frontman Morrissey held Echobelly in high regard, preferring them to the original Britpop darlings Suede.”Suede were all the rage at the time,” said Sonya. “And I remember reading an article where a journalist asked him what he thought of them and he said, ‘yes, they write nice songs but Echobelly write great songs’. “In his autobiography, he says that he loves the band. I’m really moved because I appreciate him as a writer and I know that some of our contemporaries would give a kidney to hear him say these things about them haha!”The group is best known for its trio of major lable LPs in the 90s – Everyone’s Got One, On and Lustre.The early 00s saw them take full control by releasing the 2001 record People Are Expensive and 2005’s Gravity Pulls on their own label.READ MORE SUN STORIESTheir latest full length release came in 2017 with Anarchy and Alchemy.Sonya was one of rock’s leading ladies in the 90sCredit: GettyEchobelly were highly thought of by Madonna and MorrisseyCredit: Getty More