Sophie Ellis-Bextor has issued a lengthy statement about her BBC New Year’s Eve Disco – after some viewers branded it “cringe.” The chart-topper helped ring in 2025 with the BBC One show, performing her biggest hits and catchy covers.
The 45-year-old enjoyed a huge resurgence in 2024, thanks to critically-acclaimed film Saltburn. Barry Keoghan danced completely naked to Murder on the Dancefloor in the movie’s final scene, giving the 2001 track a second wave of success.
The New Year’s Eve concert saw the singer joined by a number of musical guests, including Jessie Ware and Scissor Sisters frontman Jake Shears. But while some fans heaped praise on her performance, others compared the show to a “karaoke night.”
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However Sophie doesn’t appear to be phased about the negative comments, as she has now revealed how fun the pre-recorded show was to film. Taking to Instagram, she shared a collection of snaps from the night and said: “So, so proud and happy that I got to host a NYE disco on @bbc 1. What an absolute privilege – I know New Year’s Eve is a special night. Huge thank you to my guests @jessieware @jakeshears @emilyrobertsguitarist who really brought the party – what a treat to have them on stage with me! – and I loved my finale with the @mdlsingers.”
Sophie added: “Special thanks to @victoriajayneadcock for styling – we had a blast dreaming up the looks and then Victoria went the extra mile to make them come true, and thanks to @lisalaudat1 for my hair and make up. I’ve seen many a new year in with the @bbc on as Big Ben chimes so I really see it as the biggest honour my band and I got to ring in 2025 with whoever was watching. If that was you, thank you.
“It’s on @bbciplayer now if you fancy it, too. Big thank you to the amazing @bbcstudios team who captured the show and created a world for us to do what we do. I loved the set, the lighting… Director @lizclaretv did such a brilliant job and the whole crew were so supportive and excited which only made us more excited too! The whole thing has been a really special experience.”