ETERNAL last released a studio album 27 years ago – but sisters Vernie and Easther Bennett are hoping to put an end to that.
The pair are preparing to step back into the spotlight with new member Christel Lakhdar, with a huge comeback show at Scala in London on April 30.
8
8
“New music definitely excites us,” Vernie explains, as they sit down with me in Bizarre HQ for a chat.
“That’s where we feel at home.
“We’ve started requesting songs. If we get that hit early on, if we write a hit early on, brilliant.
“It’s got to be a great song like the ones we made before.
“I find songs now, they’re a hit today and they’re gone tomorrow.
“I think that’s why there’s such a resurgence of the Nineties, because they were songs that transcend time.
“You’re never going to get bored of a Whitney Houston track. That’s what we’re looking for in the new single.”
Easther adds: “I think the last album was cut short. There’s some massive songs which could be re-recorded and re-released, like How Many Tears.
“Sunday Morning is my favourite. I don’t know if it’s a single, but it’s my favourite.”
This reunion is missing two original members, Kelle Bryan and Louise Redknapp.
Quickfire Questions Mobo’s 2025
‘Incredibly grateful’
But despite the line-up changes, Vernie and Easther are confident Christel’s vocals slot in perfectly on hits including their 1997 No1 I Wanna Be The Only One, as well as Stay and my favourite, Just A Step From Heaven.
“Christel is the first person we have taken on board and we love her,” Vernie says.
“We couldn’t have wished for a better person to join. It feels right.”
In 2023, Vernie and Easther were caught up in a much-publicised row with Louise and Kelle, after the sisters were accused of saying they would only take part in an Eternal reunion if no Pride or LGBTQ+ festivals were included in the planned gigs for last summer.
Louise and Kelle went on to say they would not be a part of the reunion if that was the case and distanced themselves from the sisters.
At the time, the group’s manager Denis Ingoldsby issued a statement in defence of Vernie and Easther and said: “This is about the debate about the trans lobby and the erosion of the rights of women and children.
“Vernie said she had some concerns about the Pride movement being hijacked, and she is not alone, but this has now been weaponised against her.”
When I ask them about the situation, Easther says: “There were several years of requests to reform the original line-up and months of discussions.
“There were several reasons why we declined to tour at that time — like contractual issues, work commitments. There was also a genuine desire to maintain a life away from the business.
“When we were approached for the last time, we decided again that what was being proposed was not truly focused on an Eternal reunion project and also they didn’t align with our family priorities.
“A lot was written about that decision but none of it represents our views or values as a band.
8
“We were deeply upset by the way a community we have always supported, and that we continue to support, was used to hurt us.”
Vernie adds: “We never felt the need to address it before because we have always spoken with our music. And because those who know us — our family, friends and our wonderful fans — they understand that what was written misrepresents who we are. We’re incredibly grateful for the amazing moments we’ve shared with our fans and we’re excited to move forward with positive energy.”
A different ball game
Positive energy is what the sisters brought during our time together, with Vernie noting she needs to get Easther a profile on Raya when I tell them about the celebrity dating app.
With a laugh, single Easther explains: “I’m not about swiping,” before adding with a cheeky smile: “But, Scottish, Irish . . . I like the accent, you know?”
Stepping back into work as full- time musicians is a different ball -game this time around, with Vernie and Easther both having their hands full at home with children.
And it is clear they are not willing to go back to their old schedules, when they performed shows across the world, clocking up 12 Top Ten hits and selling more than ten million records in the process.
Asked if they saw Louis Theroux’s new documentary on Nineties boybands, Easther tells me: “I watched it. Seeing Brian Harvey smash his discs, my heart went out to him. It brought back memories that I didn’t want to revisit. They were experiencing the same as us. One of them said they opened the curtain and asked, ‘What country am I in?’ I was like, ‘Mate, that’s real talk, right’.
“When I watched the boys, it was triggering. It was really hurtful.
“As much as we loved it, looking back, it’s why we’re saying, ‘We’re not doing that.’”
There are, however, great memories, including performing at the Brit Awards in 1995.
“It was epic,” Vernie says. “We did the whole Supremes look with red dresses and came out in this old car on stage to sing Baby Love.”
Playing a private show for the Sultan of Brunei along- side Whitney Houston is also a night they will never forget.
Vernie explains: “We all got our own houses and each got a driver to take us down to the gig.
“The first thing I did was call Easther and ask what her house was like.”
Easther adds: “I’ll never forget it because we were there with Whitney.
“When we were taking pictures, the girls shoved me forward to stand next to her. It was incredible. She is beautiful inside and out.”
Vernie says: “We were just swept off our feet back then. We were terrors at the back in those days because we were so young.”
So who was the naughtiest of the sisters?
“We were very good girls,” Easther replies.
Vernie shoots back: “Some of us were. I’ll leave it at that.”
As Easther’s eyes roll, I tell her to give Vernie a quick kick under the table.
“I can’t reach her,” she says with a laugh.
“Siblings, eh?”
8
Love the outfit, Rose
ROSE has been battling for the No1 spot for weeks with her viral Bruno Mars collaboration APT.
But she is still feeling the love in this Valentine’s Day-themed shoot for Kim Kardashian’s clothing brand Skims.
8
The Blackpink singer, with her hair in ringlets, wore night gear covered in lipstick kisses and posed with a Cupid’s bow and arrow.
She’s not the only busy one from the K-pop group, as her bandmate Jennie has just announced a debut album.
She will release Ruby on March 7 and has enlisted Dua Lipa, Childish Gambino, Doechii and Dominic Fike to collaborate on it.
We loved her song Mantra last year, so are eager to see what else she has up her sleeve.
Ed and Indiyah host Mobos
COMEDIAN Eddie Kadi and former Love Islander Indiyah Polack will host next month’s MOBO Awards.
The pair have been lined up for the event at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on February 18, where Spice, Krept & Konan and Bashy will be among the performers.
8
Tickets are on sale now for the show, which will be live-streamed on YouTube, followed by a BBC One special on February 21.
Indiyah said: “We’re going to bring a show like no other before to Newcastle, celebrating the richness of black music and culture.
“You can expect some incredible red- carpet looks, amazing live performances and of course, great vibes from Eddie and I.”
Coldplay film ‘our best yet’
COLDPLAY have released a film to celebrate their No1 album Moon Music.
Rather than being a documentary, the 45-minute special called A Film For The Future is a series of clips created by more than 150 directors and animators from 45 countries.
Each was asked to come up with visuals to accompany their clip, with minimal art direction other than to follow their own instincts.
The film can be watched on YouTube now.
Fans in London and Manchester can head down to Lightroom in each city for an “immersive experience”.
Frontman Chris Martin said: “I don’t like to say this, but this is the best thing we have ever been part of. So if you get a chance to see it, please do.
“So many incredible people have been involved.”
Steven crosses the pond
DRAGONS’ Den star Steven Bartlett is breaking America, signing a huge deal with major US talent agency WME.
The entrepreneur and Diary Of A CEO podcast host is hoping to make it big in the States with the firm, which works with some of the world’s most successful artists.
8
As part of the deal, he will now be splitting his time between Los Angeles, New York and London, to boost his status internationally.
It continues his incredible rags- to-riches story, from being expelled from sixth form as a teenager, to becoming a multi-millionaire.
Steven whose podcast has more than 8million subscribers, said: “I could never have imagined podcasting would become what it has. I still find it surreal there’s actually real people listening to the conversations we share.”
Oscar flurry
OSCAR nominations are out today – and ITV1 has got the rights to broadcast the ceremony for a second year on March 2.
The UK coverage is hosted by Jonathan Ross.
It will be a big weekend for awards shows on ITV1, as the Oscars hits screens the night after the Brits at London’s O2 Arena.
Those nominations are also out later today.
Eyesight walk fear for Judi
DAME Judi Dench says her eyesight is so bad she can’t go out on her own for fear of having an accident.
The actress, who revealed she had age-related macular degeneration in 2012, told the Fearless podcast: “Somebody will always be with me.
8
“I have to now, because I can’t see and I will walk into something or fall over.”
Thankfully, she’s so popular that I’m sure there is no shortage of people willing to keep her company.
In 2023 Judi said it was impossible for her to learn lines because she can’t see the scripts.
The star, who has won Baftas, Olivier Awards, Golden Globes and an Oscar, as well as appearing in James Bond movies, said: “I used to find it very easy to learn lines and remember them. I could do the whole of Twelfth Night right now.”
