Eurovision losers Scooch unrecognisable 17 years on – from kids to heart attack horror
Who could forget Scooch, the UK's entry at the Eurovision Song Contest way back in 2007?
The mid-noughties group were renowned for their flight crew attire as part of their quest for Euro victory, and infamously sang their catchy ditty, Flying The Flag (For You).
It included a plane-themed dance routine and tongue-in-cheek lyrics such as: "Flying high in Amsterdam, why don't you catch us if you can?" as well as, "Would you like something to suck on for landing, sir?" and, "We wish you a very pleasurable journey."
There was even a nod to 1981's contest winners, with band member David brandishing a bottle of Bucks Fizz as he asked, during the song: "Would you like a complimentary drink with your meal, sir?"
The pop group shot to fame in the 1990s after securing victory in a competition on BBC One's Live And Kicking TV show, which led to their debut single release.
Comprising Natalie Powers, Caroline Barnes, David Ducasse, and Russ Spencer, they quickly garnered low-key fame, landing gigs as opening acts for major players such as B*Witched and Five.
Fast forward to 2007, Scooch made headlines again when they were selected to represent the UK at Eurovision. Their journey might not have culminated in a win – in fact they secured the 22nd spot (out of a possible 24) with a dismal 19 points, but nevertheless cemented their status among British Eurovision royalty.
OK! decided to take a look at what the band's members are up to these days...
Natalie Powers
Post-Eurovision, Natalie embarked on new musical ventures, recording a new track called Shattered Glass and making rounds on the UK club scene as well as Pride events.
Meanwhile, Natalie tied the knot and became a mum to two children, with her second son, Max, arriving in 2008.
Choosing to step away from the spotlight, she decided to use her musical skills for coaching, teaching students at the All Stars Academy.
Natalie co-owns the institution, managing the Hemel Hemstead-based school alongside her friend and colleague Amanda Constantinou.
"We opened Allstars in May 2011 to provide our students with the correct training for an exciting career in the Performing Arts," their website states, adding they "want to use their talent, experience and passion to inspire others".
Caroline Barnes and Russ Spencer
Having built a career together singing love songs, Caroline Barnes fell head over heels for her bandmate Russ Spencer behind the scenes.
The lovebirds are still going strong today, often sharing adorable selfies on Russ' Twitter account.
Caroline and Russ opened up about their romance in an exclusive chat with OK!, revealing their friendship turned into something more after the Eurovision.
Caroline said: “We both had other partners during Eurovision, but I think we eventually just came to the realisation we were in love with each other. A year later we were a couple.”
“We’d had other boyfriends and girlfriends and probably got a lot of stuff out of our systems. I went through this ridiculous thing of planning to go away with a boyfriend and then we’d split up, so I’d call Russ and go, ‘Do you fancy coming on a holiday with me?’ So we started off as really good friends and it blossomed from there.”
Reflecting on their Eurovision experience, Caroline remembered: “We felt like proper A-Listers… for one week. Our performance on the night all went to plan and the crowd erupted. We were all so giddy. There was a small part of us that thought, ‘Maybe we could win this.’”
Russ added: “After the first few countries voted, it became clear that it wasn’t going to happen, so we started hitting the champagne hard. When Malta announced they were giving us the maximum 12 points, we celebrated like we’d won the whole competition. We were cheering, hugging and jumping round the room.”
Caroline is a pilates instructor, while Russ juggles multiple roles as a producer, company manager and resident director. They split their time between London and Marbella, and love to travel.
David Ducasse
David continues to perform today, with his social media bio listing him as an actor and singer.
In 2019, David had a terrifying health scare when he was hospitalised after suffering a heart attack. Speaking about the incident in an interview with The Shields Gazette, David revealed that doctors found a blocked artery and a blood clot, which had been putting pressure on his heart.
Now on permanent medication, the experience inspired him to quit smoking, as he encouraged fans to check their family history for hereditary heart conditions.
He resides in South Shields with his husband Gareth, who owns his own hair salon. The couple share a pet dog named Rocky Ducasse.
Gareth and David had plans to tie the knot in late 2020, but the Covid pandemic meant their wedding plans were postponed.
On what should have been their special day, Gareth expressed his feelings: "Today at 1pm we should have been walking down the aisle, making our vows to one and other and celebrating our big day and the day we said I Do, A day surrounded by loved ones celebrating the Ducasse's!" The happy couple later married.
Reflecting on their first encounter, David shared: "I picked you up from Newcastle train station and we met in person for the first time."
He fondly recalled, "Who knew I'd be meeting my fiance. That you'd be visiting a place you'd end up calling home. And that you'd love me like you promised and more? Thank you for the ride of a lifetime."
For this year's Eurovision Song Contest, Olly Alexander will represent the UK on Saturday, May 11, on BBC One from 8pm.
