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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Jessica Sansome

Steps star Ian 'H' Watkins channels Barbie's Ken as group put on pink display while meeting fans in Greater Manchester

Ian 'H' Watkins could have been the perfect casting for the upcoming Barbie movie as he channeled Ken on his latest visit to Manchester. The Steps star was in the city with his bandmates as they appeared on BBC Breakfast on Friday morning (August 19).

The group - Ian, Lee Latchford-Evans, Claire Richards, Lisa Scott-Lee and Faye Tozer - were on the BBC One news programme with hosts Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty as they celebrate 25 years since they burst onto the scene in 1997 with pop classic, 5,6,7,8.

And this morning they burst onto our screens as they all donned various shades of pink and purple to appear on the famous red sofa, something Charlie dug at when Naga suggested they had brought the 'energy' to the show and he quipped: "And the colour," to awkward laughs.

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The presenter also didn't seem to believe them when Lisa suggested they 'all get on' as he asked about the dynamic of the group and who has got what role. "Oh come on," he replied as Lisa insisted that they do get on and Claire burst into laughter. "We've been here 25 years, Charlie, so it's working," Lisa hit back.

Talking about their 25ht anniversary and why they have decided to mark the milestone, Faye said: "It's a funny one really because it doesn't feel like 25 years. I mean, sometimes it feels like it but I think when we get on stage you still feel like you're 21, jumping around with the crow in front of you and it does feel incredible.

The group got the pink memo as they posed in Manchester (AARON PARFITT)

"But it has been 25 years. You couldn't write it. From the day we did the audition and fronted 5,6,7,8, to still be sat here is..." Faye ended before Charlie pressed more on their first audition day where H explained how he and Lee had already made it into the group and that it was there they met Faye, Lisa, and Claire.

And they proved they still have a loyal following as they were snapped taking selfies, signing posters and chatting to their fans outside the BBC Breakfast studios at MediaCity in Salford.

H happily posed for selfies (AARON PARFITT)

The much-loved group, known for their pop hits such as Tragedy, One for Sorrow and Deeper Shade of Blue, smiles and posed for pictures outside the building, showing off their bright and summery looks. Ian looked like he could give Ryan Gosling, who is starring opposing Margot Robbie in the upcoming Barbie film, in a deep pink shirt over a white vest and matching denim shorts combo.

He then added a slinky pink belt that hung around his waist and opted for white socks and trainers. Claire also got the pink memo as she looked stunning in a plunging jumpsuit which showed off her summer glow and tied at the waist to show off her impressive weight loss.

Claire looked stunning in a pink jumpsuit and power blazer combo (AARON PARFITT)

She added a white blazer which she draped over her shoulders and added another pop of colour with a pair of bright orange heels. And Lisa was in an almost-identical outfit. She was the epitome of summer in a pastel purple boilersuit which belted at the waist and she teamed with a pair of deeper purple heels.

Lee kept the theme going, donning a pair of dark blue denim jeans with a white shirt then had pink around the edges in keeping with his bandmates. But it was Faye who went slightly off brand but looked equally as gorgeous in a white silk shirt and trousers co-ord that was patterned with orange, pink and yellow flowers.

She was, however, seen holding a pink cowboy hat which we can only assume may have been a gift from one of the many waiting fans.

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