The Cheeky Girls have announced that they’ve got a new single out, 20 years after the twins shot to fame on Popstars: The Rivals.
For anyone over a certain age, The Cheeky Girls will be instantly recognisable. To those who are 20 or under, perhaps less so.
Where do you even start?
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Well, firstly here's what you can expect from the new song.
The Romanian twins – Monica and Gabriela – performed an audition on the TV talent show that was described as ‘the worst act’ judge Pete Waterman had ever seen, but somehow gained a string of top 10 hits, including their breakout single ‘The Cheeky Song (Touch My Bum)’.
Look, it was a different time, OK?
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Anyway, now they’re back.
Taking to Instagram, the now-39-year-old twins announced their triumphant return to the music scene with ‘Let’s Have Fun’.
They wrote: “Hi Guyz, please check out our new song.. It is released on all platforms Let's Have Fun...XX!”
This tune, much like several of their other hits – including ‘Touch My Bum’ – was written by the pair’s mum Margit.
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The new song will be instantly recognisable to those who are familiar with the oeuvre of The Cheeky Girls, featuring chorus lyrics: “We just want to have fun, cheeky-cheeky.
“Two of us is better than one, mm-mm.
“We just want to have twice as much fun, two of us is better than one.”
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The pair were recently on Channel 4 for Steph’s Packed Lunch to chat about the 20th anniversary of their first appearance to the British public.
Gabriela said: “This is to celebrate the 20-year anniversary. It's called 'Let's Have Fun'. Of course, The Cheeky Girls are all about fun... It's to celebrate life and just be happy!”
Despite their limited novelty value and criticism from music industry types such as Waterman, the pair did sell a load of records and played in front of huge crowds in the early 2000s.
'Touch My Bum' sold 1.2 million copies, would you believe?
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However, it wasn’t all plain sailing, as the pair found themselves battling bankruptcy and dealing with health issues.
Now, they both have ‘normal’ jobs working in two different Hyundai dealerships, and claim they love their new positions.
In fact, the pair have spoken in the past about wanting to open up their own car showroom.
Monica said: “I think the British public have a perception that if you are, or have been, in the public eye or a pop star, you're not allowed to try something else.
“I always said it's no shame to work, it's a shame not to work.
“We've chosen another career path and we are very, very proud of it.”
Monica added: “I've got a passion for cars, so it's not just the selling bit, but I like the buzz of selling and making people happy.”
Still, they continue performing and now releasing because they know that The Cheeky Girls can’t go on forever.
Monica said: “We know there are people selling photos of their boobies on the internet and for me that is no way, not even as a last resort.
“What we are doing came from a long discussion with me and Gabi, because we accept that The Cheeky Girls is not going to go on forever.
“OK, we still look good, and we still fit in the hot pants, but I don't really feel like I will be getting on the stage at 60 — although you never know.”
The Cheeky Girls’ new single ‘Let’s Have Fun’ is available on all reputable platforms now.
Tom Wood