The Saturdays: Pop music's new high-flyers

Posted by Lindsey on Jan 30 2010 - 0 comments

Here's a new article on The Saturdays. I skipped to Una's part, but if you want to read about the other girls, click on the link at the end.

The latest arrivals in the girl group universe, the Saturdays have racked up five hit singles and a platinum debut album since forming two years ago, making them one of the most successful manufactured bands since Girls Aloud. So what’s their secret? Hard work, high heels and a huge appetite for life, they tell Benji Wilson over a large chocolate cake and cups of tea

Irish Una Healy is the oldest Saturday but the years between her and the others have been wholly dedicated to music. She was born in Thurles, Co Tipperary, went to her local school, then began a teacher-training course, but dropped out to focus on music.

‘I bought a PA system, started gigging with musicians, in restaurants and hotels. Always practising. When I was 25 I decided to leave Ireland, and the first audition I went for was for this band.’

Una on Una
‘Gigging on my own in Ireland was tough, so I’m very appreciative of the position I’m in – I’ve worked hard to get into this band.

‘I’ve been nicknamed Fierce by the fans. I’m not sure why. I think it’s because of how I look in pictures sometimes [she pulls a sultry face].

‘And yeah, I do like the dressing up. I’ve done modelling part time in the past, so our fashion and our image is very important to me.’

The girls on Una
‘She’s the expert at the look-behind-the-shoulder shot. I watch her for tips. She’ll be walking down the street and if there’s a pap there…off she goes.’ (Mollie)

‘Una’s great to have a night out with. The girl knows how to have a good time!’ (Frankie)

Love life
‘My boyfriend is Ben Foden, a rugby player for Northampton Saints. We’ve been going out for a year now.’

Bags and shoes
‘The bag I’ve been going out with lately is an Alexander Wang one with studs. My favourite shoe shop is Kurt Geiger – it’s not too expensive and the designs are edgy.’