Eurovision legends Bucks Fizz could be set for a reunion to mark the UK hosting next year’s song contest on behalf of Ukraine.
There is one hurdle yet though to making it turn out right – getting all the band members to agree to it.
Cheryl Baker, one of the group’s four original singers, explains: “It was our 40th anniversary last year, and we did ask Bobby G if he’d like to come back just for one gig – but he said no.
“Perhaps for next year for Eurovision he would reconsider. “I’d love that to happen. There’s been a lot of messy water that’s gone under the bridge, but we have a big history together.
“I think it would be really nice to get together for that big occasion.”
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Bucks Fizz – then comprising Bobby G, Cheryl Baker, Mike Nolan and Jay Aston – formed in January 1981 specifically for the contest.
They went on to have three No1s, first with 1981 Eurovision winner Making Your Mind Up, and then with The Land of Make Believe and My Camera Never Lies.
But while they have sold more than 50 million records worldwide, the group’s line-up has changed over the years – most famously when Jay Aston quit the group in 1985 and was replaced by Shelley Preston.
Today, two versions of the group exist. One includes original member Bobby G, still using the name Bucks Fizz, while a second is made up of the other three original members – Cheryl, Mike and Jay – performing as The Fizz.
The only constant member and owner of the legal rights to use the original name is Bobby G – but he has refused to get the full gang back together.
The UK will host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest after an agreement between broadcasters and this year’s winner, Ukraine, due to the ongoing war with Russia.
Usually the competition is held in the current winner’s country. The UK’s Sam Ryder came second in May’s contest with his song Space Man.
Cheryl herself is a voiceover on the programme, aired on the BBC, delivering the results of UK voting. And she said it was great news the UK had stepped in to host it.
She says: “What’s happened this year is that Sam Ryder has instilled a new enthusiasm. The UK was becoming blasé and a bit tongue in cheek, with some questioning if we really want it, or should we pull out.
“But he did amazingly – and suddenly it’s coming to the UK next year, and it’s a hot topic. He did a world of good.
“He’s turned it around to not only being credible, but everyone is excited about it again. I think he could represent the UK again and win it.
“He’s a smiley man and he’s never been ashamed to say he loves Eurovision and he’s turned it around to a fun event that everyone should enjoy.”
Cheryl is amazed how Eurovision has grown since her Bucks Fizz triumph.
She says: “Some countries take it very seriously, some have novelty acts – but that’s the beauty of Eurovision, it has a little bit of everything.
“It has amazing lighting and special effects, and the crowd is phenomenal. When we did it, the audience was full of white shirts and they were only there for the free glass of wine afterwards.
“But now they do it in massive arenas and the true Eurovision fans are there, waving their flags and cheering everyone on.”
She insists that while the UK will be the host venue, Ukraine will run the show. But she still hopes to return to read out the points even if Bucks Fizz do not reunite.
Cheryl says: “Ukraine will host it, it’s just we will be the host venue.
“I think there will be Ukrainian presenters, and possibly a Ukrainian production team. It’s just that we are letting them use our facilities, for obvious reasons.
“I think Ukraine will be very involved. And they should be, because they won it.”
Cheryl kicked off her TV career in the mid 80s, while still singing with the group. She joined Record Breakers in 1987 as a co-host, alongside the long-serving Roy Castle, and was on the programme for 10 years.
She also co-presented The Saturday Picture Show with Mark Curry from 1985 to 1986, and in 2011 she reached the final of ITV ’s Popstar to Operastar, coming second behind Joe McElderry.
And she has appeared on Celebrity Mastermind and Dancing on Ice.
And at 68 she says the key to looking good and staying healthy is to “just enjoy my life”.
She adds: “I can’t put it down to anything – I’m just me. I walk a lot and I try to keep fit. “Last night I drank too much prosecco after a Sunday roast, so my body is not my temple, or anything like that.
“I love my work and I love being on stage. I wouldn’t say my glass is half full – I’d say it’s overflowing.
“That’s my state of mind. I’m always smiling… my husband tells me to cheer down, rather than cheer up.”
■Cheryl stars in That Was Then, This Is Now, which is currently available on stageplayerplus.com
