My child was in a S Club Juniors, ask me anything

[BeEagerEagle]

In 2001, my child auditioned for a CBBC show called ‘S Club Search’ and got a place in a child pop group who initially were meant to support S Club 7 on a one time support gig basis. This band was called S Club Juniors, later known as S Club 8.

The band ended up taking off and we basically had to sign or children away to Simon Fuller’s management to release a single. The kids were given tutors and chaperones, and spent most of their time in hotels (the ones London based stayed either their parents) or on the road. After that, they went on tour and I only saw my child once every couple of months. It was brutal but I knew that’s what they wanted to do.

they released two albums and the second one didn’t do that well, Simon Fuller tried them on a TV show called I Dream, however that also tanked. My child will admit that themselves. They all got dropped when aged 14-17. He said they had grown out of their roles a bit.

Now they are in their late thirties and trying to get back into the entertainment industry fully but it’s difficult. They’ve never quite got over their time in the band. They released music but it never really went anywhere. They would never say so, but it doesn’t help them that two of their fellow band members went on to become big stars, both were in a chart topping girl band and now are TV presenters.

their band (minus the two still-successful members) were meant to reunite for a TV show a long while ago, but for various reasons it didn’t happen. When S Club reunited, S Club juniors didn’t get asked to reunite as there was ‘no call’ for it and only a few were up for reuniting. (My child, and another boy and girl member)

they are still acquaintances with S club 7 and went to Paul Cattermoles funeral.

I know my (now adult) child doesn’t regret the choices they made as a child, but feels sad as an adult.

AMA- child (now adult) is also here to answer questions too and is happy to answer questions about specific members and music!

Do you regret letting your child do this?

Parents could speak to their children every day if need be, most called once or twice a week.

What's the best and the worst thing to come out of it for your child?

No, because if I hadn’t let them then I know they’d have thought ‘what if’ forever and possibly blamed me.

Oh yes! Although she's still got time

You know what, most of the members had so much confidence that I don’t think teasing affected them. A lot of kids did ask for autographs etc when they came back. Most of them were excited to get back to normal school. The eldest member was too old for school so went to college.

a few people in school allegedly thought one of the male members (not mine) was very cocky and thought he was better than everyone. As an adult man he admits now that he was.

I’m in my late 30s and I remember them. I actually liked them and bought their first single on cd at the time.

Can I ask what your child is sad about if they have no regrets?

Sorry, I’m maybe misunderstanding this? You spoke to your child once or twice a week?

How did they adjust to going back to normality after it all? Did they just go back to school?

Best = something to tell their grandkids and happy memories. They still keep all their merch although I think it’s in my attic .

worst- a bit of jealousy of the two members who are still famous.

All went back to school bar one member who went to college to do performing arts.

Yes. For an hour or so each time.

How many months were they away for?

Why do you think her child is female?

How as a parent did you convince yourself it was a good idea to give your child access to an industry that is known for ruining the long term mental health of child stars? How did you get comfortable that risk was worth it to give your child 5 minutes of fame?

They are sad that despite how hard they tried they didn’t get the same level of fame and jobs as a few of the other members.

Not many people can say they've had this experience. It will definitely be an awesome story to tell their Grandkids.

I’m 52 so too old to remember them. In fact I didn’t even know there was a ‘junior’ version.

I saw one of the S club people as Marius in Les Mis. He was surprisingly good.

no question, but please pass on that I loved this band and used to dance loads to One Step Closer!

This.
AMA is meant to be about you not your child!

Simon fuller and a load of other people (Nikki the manager, David and Carrie Grant, the head choreographer Garry, all the chaperones, and a legal team) sat us down and explained everything fully before we signed anything. We were given a week to mull it over and ask anything, and regularly met with people every few months.

despite sometimes arguing with one another, all us parents believed and still do believe they were treated incredibly well in the industry and were protected.

A nice neutral tone as per

Has any of the members been affected with mental health as a result of the early fame ?
thanks for the thread. Very interesting.

This is a glimpse into a world I know nothing about. To be honest, I can't get my head around it at all.