Steps have released their first new single in four years, a Halloween reworking of their 2017 track Scared Of The Dark, but fans have reacted with disappointment, hoping for a bigger announcement.
The five-piece, made up of Lee Latchford-Evans, Claire Richards, Lisa Scott-Lee, Faye Tozer, and Ian 'H' Watkins, teased their return on social media on October 1 before confirming the release of Scared Of The Dark (Shadows & Secrets Halloween Mix) the following morning.
Fans underwhelmed by surprise release
The original version of Scared Of The Dark only reached number 37 in the charts when it was released in 2017. Steps initially posted an image of a pumpkin carved with the group's name before sharing a clip of the new video.
"Don't turn out the lights!" they wrote in a caption. "Scared Of The Dark (Shadows & Secrets Halloween Mix) is officially OUT NOW. Spooky season begins here… available to stream and download everywhere."
Reacting to the post, fans appeared underwhelmed that the announcement was merely for a new version of a previously-released song, and instead demanded something more significant.
Fans call for tour and album
"I'm just going to pretend this didn't happen and patiently wait for the tour announcement," one person replied.
A second fan added: "These announcements are just turning into clickbait. First Spice Girls and now this."
A third wrote in hope: "I know it's just the beginning for the big announcement. We need a new album and tour."
While a fourth declared: "Okay erm... little bit disappointed now, was so excited yesterday."
Others claimed Steps' move was simply a tease, with bigger things in the pipeline. "It's just a little, funny gift, there is much more coming we all know that," another fan said. "Don't panic people. Steps will never disappoint and this is a bit of fun."
Context of pop reunions
The release comes hot on the heels of Hear'Say's plans to reunite, more than 25 years after they made history as the first band to be formed on British television.
The pop group was initially made up of Danny Foster, Suzanne Shaw, Noel Sullivan, Kym Marsh, and Myleene Klass, and were the first in the world to be put together on television as part of the reality show Popstars. The programme aired in February 2001 and spearheaded the onslaught of music reality shows that followed including Pop Idol, Popstars: The Rivals, which was won by Girls Aloud, and The X Factor.
Only four members appear to be part of the reunion, however. Earlier this year, Myleene, who bolstered her career with her appearance on I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! in 2006 and nowadays features as a regular on Loose Women, said she was not interested in re-joining the band.
