8 minute read
SFW 2022
Thrilling With Jo O’meara
The BRIT Award-winning ‘S Club 7’ star and solo artist Jo O’Meara gets the Halloween celebrations started in spine-tingling fashion as she releases a spooktacular take on Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ to mark the 40th anniversary of the song’s release.
Thrilling With Jo O’meara
This new version of the song features The Celebs, an all-star line-up which includes Anne Hegerty of ‘The Chase’ performing Vincent Price’s hair-raising role. The song is released in aid of the Great Ormond Street Hospital charity GOSH. Both the song and the accompanying video see Jo and The Celebs in a full-on ‘Thriller’ fright night as night creatures call and the dead start to walk. The frightful fear factory visual features guests including:
- Anne Hegerty - would you rather face The Governess on ‘The Chase’, or stand and face the hounds of hell? - Bethannie Hare - the rising singer, also known for her role as Cher McQueen in ‘Hollyoaks’. - Tyger Drew-Honey - the actor and TV personality who has starred in ‘Outnumbered’, ‘Cuckoo’ and ‘Horrid Henry’. - Ivan Kaye - the towering actor who stars in ‘The Borgias’, ‘Vikings’ and ‘The Green Green Grass’. - Kathy Hill - the model who memorably played George Michael’s love interest in ‘Last Christmas’ by Wham! - Faye Barker - the ITN news presenter, reporter and podcast host. - Verona Rose - presenter of ITV’s ‘Secret Crush’ and Naomi in the Netflix hit ‘Top Boy’.
Jo O’Meara says, “I have always been a huge fan of MJ! ‘Thriller’ is an all-time classic and this year it turns 40. It seems the perfect song for Halloween 2022!”
While Jo and The Celebs enjoyed hours of fun making this new version of ‘Thriller’, their ambition is to raise funds for GOSH. Each year, GOSH faces an incredible task – to raise millions to support Great Ormond Street Hospital to remain at the forefront of paediatric medicine. Every day, about 600 children and young people from across the UK arrive for lifechanging treatments. And every day, young lives hang in the
balance as patients, families and staff battle the most complex illnesses. The money raised by GOSH helps support their patients and their families through their immensely challenging experiences, and funds research to find the life-saving cures of tomorrow.
The Celebs were formed by music industry executives Grahame and Jack Corbyn, who decided to use their expertise to raise some much-needed funds for some amazing charities with the help of an array of like-minded stars of the entertainment industry. ‘Thriller’ is their fourth release following the celebpacked singles ‘Rock With Rudolph’ (2018, also benefiting GOSH), ‘Merry Christmas Everyone’ (2020, for the Alzheimer’s Society and Action For Children) and ‘Let It Be’ (2021, for Mind).
Surrey Rocks caught up with Jo O’ Meara for an exclusive chat about her upcoming single, album, appearance at SFW and more.
Can you tell us how this wonderful collaboration with ‘The Celebs’ came about?
The collaboration with “The Celebs” is the brainchild of my amazing management team. I was lucky enough to be asked to appear in this latest adventure for the wonderful charity Great Ormand Street. Whilst filming and recording I met Grahame and Jack and we instantly all hit it off, I am now proud to be a part of their wonderful team at Saga Entertainment.
How much fun was it creating the ‘Thriller’ video for this single?
The video shoot day was the funniest day ever! None of us had really met before and suddenly we are dressing up as zombies making quite unusual noises and we giggled all day! I met some amazing people and it was all for a wonderful charity!!
Have you always been a Michael Jackson fan?
I have been a huge fan since I can remember. I think he really was the most phenomenal performer. A complete genius at what he did, and there will never be another MJ! I went to his ‘History’ concert and actually passed out believe it or not! And I’m not ashamed to say it (lol) !!
Does it feel good to be tying up with Great Ormand Street raising money for such a good cause?
It feels amazing to be doing this for such an amazing charity. The work they do is just incredible, and if we can help in some way achieve new trials, more research or more vital equipment, then I think that’s amazing!
We hear you are releasing a new album soon, can you tell or readers more?
Yes! I am beyond excited to be getting back in and writing the next album! I can’t let you know too much info just yet! But it will definitely be worth the wait when it’s released next year.
How is life after S Club 7?
Life is very good. I’m in a really strong place both physically and mentally. I had a slight set back with a back operation recently, but everyday I’m stronger and I’m excited to get back to doing what I love – singing and performing.
Are there any plans for the group reform for a oneoff concert or tour again soon?
This is probably the question I’m asked about the most! And the honest answer is... who knows? There are no plans or talks going on at the moment as everyone is busy doing their own stuff.... but you never know? Watch this space, will let you guys know first!
What was the greatest career highlight being in the group?
There were honestly so many from winning Brits to Worldwide tours! We were very lucky and had so many highlights. Although I think performing for the Queens Golden Jubilee last year will always be one of my most proudest moments. It really was a special day.
What was your favourite S Club 7 track and why?
I think one of my favourite S Club songs was ‘All In Love Is Fair’ - I just loved how grown up it was. And at the time the whole vibe was sultry and not as pop as the others so it really stood out. I will also say that ‘Reach For The Stars’ is one of my personal favourites too. It makes people so happy when they hear it. So that’s always going to be up there.
I am beyond excited to be performing at SFW 2022! I literally cannot wait! This will be my first show back since my operation so I’m itching to get back on the stage! I might not be doing backflips just yet, given my recent back operation, but the music will be all we need for a fab night.
Are you still friends or in touch with the other band members?
We touch base once in a while and see how each other are etc, it’s very hard to see people as we already scattered all over and busy with life! I saw Rachel a few months back, and it was lovely to see her (as always!!)
Does it feel good to be back in the recording studio?
It always feels good to be back in a recording studio! I’ve said many times in the past, to me the studio is home, it’s where I feel the most comfortable and it’s my definite happy place.
We also hear you recently carried out a ‘wing walk’ in aid of dog rescue charity K-9, how did that go?
Yes the wing walk... ha ha! That was an experience that I will certainly not forget in a hurry! I was petrified from the very beginning and it’s not my kind of thing as I’m not great with speed or heights! Or anything remotely scary really! But I did it for the dogs. It was all to help raise awareness and be a voice for the voiceless!! It’s something I’m very passionate about.
If you weren’t a singer what career path would you have chosen?
Oohh that’s a good one! Well... if I had been clever enough I would have been a vet!! But I’m not that clever (lol!) so I would have to say working with animals in some way that doesn’t need the veterinary qualifications!!
Are you looking forward to performing at Surrey Fashion Week’s inaugural event on September 30th at Great Fosters? Get Jo O Meara & The Celeb’s single ‘Thriller’ at www.sagaentertainment.tv available now
www.joomeara.uk ‘Thriller’ available now on iTunes, Apple Music & Spotify
