Eternal are gearing up for a huge comeback with a new band member, however have reportedly had to cancel one of their shows as they failed to sell tickets.
The nineties girl group showed off their new line-up ahead of their return without Louise Redknapp and Kelle Bryan. Sisters Easther and Vernie Bennett have since welcomed singer Christel Lakhdar into the group, who said it was a "dream come true". The new group came after a bitter row over transgender issues, which saw Louise and Kelle pull out of the reunion.
Louise’s camp was accused of breaching the confidence of the founding members by leaking and misrepresenting the content of a private email. It had claimed Easther and Vernie refused to play any gay festivals or Pride due to the LGBTQ community's alliance with the trans community. A source close to the band told The Mirror: “That’s very much all in the past and the girls just cannot wait to get back on stage.
"They are eternally grateful for all the support they’ve received.” Eternal, who had chart success with their hit I Wanna Be the Only One, were set to perform at the parking area outside Birmingham's NEC in May. It was billed as the girl group's first major gig in a decade. However, it has been claimed the band struggled to sell tickets for the show.
Tickets for the comeback gig were priced at £50 plus, according to The Sun, and has now been canned. The devastating news comes just one day after the group unveiled new member Christel Lakhdar to the Mirror. Vernie said: "Meeting Christel for the first time just felt right. She’s talented, accomplished and has such an amazing personality. She’s also strong vocally, so our harmonies will be taken to the next level. I think our music followers will love her just as much as we do."
Last year, The Mirror revealed Louise and Kelle pulled out of the reunion over Easther and Vernie's refusal to play gay festivals. A source told us at the time: "In June the girls received an email from Easther and Vernie who refused to play any gay festivals or Pride. They said they can’t support the LGBTQ community now it has an alliance with the trans community, a stance Vernie in particular has been public about on socials.
"Louise and Kelle were stunned and pulled out immediately - Louise's fan base is 98 percent gay men. She and Kelle believe everyone is welcome to their shows. It’s a real shame for their fans who have been waiting such a long time for this moment." Louise and Kelle made an appearance on Loose Women in September where they discussed the issue.
Louise explained she'd always been open to a reunion. She said: "For me, I've always been open. I would have always loved to do a reunion with the girls and I've been very open about that over the years. I just feel passionate about the LGBTQ+ community were involved and included. It's just that simple. I have a lot of love for what we've done and we're still the best of friends, which has been incredible."
Kelle added: "For me, I made my statement so I've been really clear that being part of this band has been life changing for me. The music and the relationship with the fans has been most important. As long as that's for everyone, that's the main thing." Vernie has not commented on the controversy, but has said the new line-up will take the group to the “next level”.
Eternal's original manager Denis Ingoldsby said at the time: “Louise and her team have thrown them under the bus. Everyone is appalled at their behaviour by misrepresenting the situation. The girls sent an email to Louise’s camp saying they loved playing Pride and loved [its] ethos.
“For Louise’s camp and Kelle to go on the record suggesting they are homophobic is outrageous. The girls have played numerous LGBTQ+ venues. This debate is about the trans lobby and the erosion of the rights of women and children. Vernie said she had concerns about the Pride movement being hijacked and she is not alone. The girls are looking forward to seeing all their fans and to reconnecting with so many diverse and wonderful people from all walks of life.”
The Mirror has contacted Eternal's representatives for comment.
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