The Rise and Fall of B*Witched
The iconic 1990s girl group B*Witched, consisting of twin sisters Edele and Keavy Lynch, Lindsay Armaou, and Sinéad O'Carroll, burst onto the music scene in 1997 with their distinctive double denim style. They made history by achieving four consecutive UK number one debut singles: C'est la Vie, Rollercoaster, To You I Belong, and Blame It on the Weatherman. Their rapid ascent included supporting N Sync on tour, with Keavy Lynch reflecting on their surprise at the sudden fame, describing it as a dream come true for four Irish girls.
Their music gained international recognition, featuring in films like What Women Want and The Princess Diaries, as well as the popular TV series Dawson's Creek. However, their success was short-lived; in 2002, despite selling over three million albums, the group was abruptly dropped by their record label, leaving the members shocked and struggling to adapt to life outside the spotlight.
Reunion and Continued Musical Efforts
In 2012, B*Witched reunited for ITV2's reality-documentary series The Big Reunion, alongside other bands from their era such as Liberty X and Atomic Kitten. After resolving lingering issues through "clear the air" talks, they embarked on a successful arena tour due to high demand. The group released new music, including the 2013 song Love and Money and an EP titled Champagne or Guinness.
Celebrating their 25th anniversary in 2023, they surprised fans with the single Birthday, showcasing their ageless energy and classic dance routines. In 2024, they followed up with the EP Ripped Jeans, featuring three new tracks, demonstrating their enduring passion for music.
Individual Paths After the Split
Lindsay Armaou's Acting Career
Lindsay Armaou, now 47, stepped away from the public eye for seven years before pursuing acting at The Poor School in London. Her film credits include short films Threads and Rescue Me in 2013, and roles in The Smoke as Georgina and Daisy as Sonia in 2014 and 2015, respectively. She also performed in theatre productions such as Ring Round the Moon and A Christmas Carol.
Recently, she appeared in the Netflix drama Stay Close, based on Harlan Coben's novel, and competed on BBC's Celebrity Mastermind in January 2025, with Irish playwright Martin McDonagh as her specialist subject. Lindsay was married to 911 singer Lee Brennan from 2006 to 2011 and later married recruitment director Indi Pahl in 2015, with whom she has two children.
Edele Lynch's Struggles and Resilience
Edele Lynch, 46, remained active in the music industry, co-writing tracks for Girls Aloud and the Sugababes. She formed a duo with her twin Keavy, performing as Ms Lynch and later the Barbarellas, and appeared on Celebrity Big Brother, winning Celebrity Apprentice Ireland in 2013. However, her personal life took a dark turn during her divorce from Michael Barrett in 2014.
She admitted to using shots of vodka to cope with the emotional pain, engaging in self-harm by pulling her hair and punching herself. On the band's podcast, Starting Over with B*Witched, she described this period as a time of drowning in anger and turmoil. To support her three children during the COVID-19 pandemic, she took an admin job, highlighting the lack of support in the entertainment industry and her need to provide financially.
Sinéad O'Carroll's Focus on Family and Mental Health
Sinéad O'Carroll, 52, prioritized family life after the band's split, marrying Mike Rahman in 2006 and having two children. She faced significant mental health challenges, including severe phobias that disrupted her sleep and a fear of dogs, exacerbated by a miscarriage. To address these issues, she turned to Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), a method involving acupressure and affirmations, which she found transformative.
She now practices distance healing and numerology, sharing these interests with her bandmates. In July, she mourned the loss of her father, expressing gratitude for his kindness and support on social media.
Keavy Lynch's Battle with Depression and New Career
Keavy Lynch, 46, experienced a nervous breakdown after the band's dissolution, struggling with depression and feelings of being in her twin sister's shadow. She described years of crying daily, lacking motivation, and contemplating self-harm, though she emphasized she would never act on those thoughts due to her family.
After receiving help, she now runs a private counselling practice in London, specializing in support for survivors of rape and sexual violence. She married Nathaniel Comer in 2017, and they have three children, though the couple divorced in 2023.
Note: If you are struggling with mental health issues, support is available through organizations like the Samaritans, which offers a 24/7 helpline at 116 123.
