Eurovision has given a platform to some forgettable acts over the years, but it’s hard to forget UK band Scooch of the mid-noughties, who dressed up as airline staff in their bid for Euro-victory.
Setting them up for a glittering career to come, their name was inspired by the motion of asking someone to “scooch” along a sofa to make space.
The pop ground was formed in the 90s after winning a competition on BBC One’s Live and Kicking to have their first single released.
Made up of Natalie Powers, Caroline Barnes, David Ducasse and Russ Spencer, they went on to enjoy success as supporting act for groups like B*Witched and Five.
They became a household name in 2007 when they were asked to represent the UK at the Eurovision with their song “Flying the Flag (For You)”.
Though the group didn’t win the contest – they came 23rd – they cemented their status as Eurovision royalty in Great Britain.
But what are the members of Scooch up to today?
Natalie Powers
(Image: PA)
Scooch fans will be glad to hear the foursome are still performing, regularly recording live sessions for their fans on Facebook.
Last year, they marked the 20th anniversary of the release of their millennium album, celebrating with a rendition of their song For Sure.
After the Eurovision, singer Natalie recorded a new track called Shattered Glass, touring the UK club circuit and performing at Pride events.
(Image: Instagram)
In the meantime, Natalie got married and welcomed two children, with her second son, Max, born in 2008.
Taking a step back from the limelight, she decided to turn her musical talents to coaching, lecturing students at the All Stars Academy.
Natalie is a joint-owner of the institution, running the Hemel Hemstead-based school with her friend and colleague Amanda Constantinou.
“We opened Allstars in May 2011 to provide our students with the correct training for an exciting career in the Performing Arts,” their website reads, adding they “want to use their talent, experience and passion to inspire others”.
Caroline Barnes and Russ Spencer
Having carved out a career together singing love songs, Caroline Barnes fell for her bandmate Russ Spencer behind the scenes.
The sweethearts are still together today, and regularly share loved up selfies from Russ’ Twitter account.
Caroline and Russ opened up about their relationship when filming a 2010 episode of Coach Trip, admitting their friendship blossomed into something more romantic after the Eurovision.
“We’ve known each other 15 years and got together five months ago,” Russ said in their introduction.
(Image: Twitter)
Caroline added: “It was always meant to be, but we didn’t quite know it.”
In a treat for Coach Trip fans, the lovebirds also sang for viewers at the end of the episode, belting out their Eurovision jingle “Flying the Flag (For You)”.
Caroline works as a pilates instructor, while Ross’ sidelines as a producer, company manager and resident director.
They divide their time between London and Marbella, and, in non- Covid times, they like to travel as much as possible.
David Ducasse
(Image: Instagram)
One-quarter of Scooch, David continues to perform today, with his social media bio listing him as an actor as well as a singer.
He also works as an ambassador for Slimming World, sharing low-calorie meals and recipes online and helping coach others through their weight loss.
In 2019, David survived a terrifying health scare when he was admitted to hospital after suffering a heart attack.
Opening up about the incident in an interview with The Shields Gazette, David explained doctors discovered a blocked artery and a blood clot, which had been putting pressure on his heart.
Now on permanent medication, the experience inspired him to quit smoking, as he urged fans to check their family history to see if heart attacks are hereditary.
He lives in South Shields with his hairdresser fiancé Gareth, who owns his own hair salon, and the sweethearts share a pet dog together, named Rocky Ducasse.
Gareth and David originally intended to marry in late 2020, but the Covid pandemic meant their plans were put on hold for the foreseeable future.
On what was supposed to have been their wedding day, Gareth said: “Today at 1pm we should have been walking down the aisle, making our vows to one and other and celebrating our big day and the day we said I Do, A day surrounded by loved ones celebrating the Ducasse’s!
“But covid had different plans for us. 2020 I won’t lie I can’t wait to wave goodbye to you. 2021 in 323 days we will have Our day, our moment our happy ever after you for always Ducasse x.”
The couple met in February of 2019 and instantly hit it off, with David remembering: “I picked you up from Newcastle train station and we met in person for the first time.
“Who knew I’d be meeting my fiancé. That you’d be visiting a place you’d end up calling home. And that you’d love me like you promised and more? Thank you for the ride of a lifetime.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
