Steps singer Lisa Scott-Lee has revealed that she now runs a performing arts school in Dubai with 600 students.
The star, 45, accepted the job after moving to the United Arab Emirates for good with husband Johnny Shentall, 42, and their two children Jaden, 13, and Star Lily, 11, in 2011.
The couple launched the Dubai Performing Arts Academy in 2014, which Lisa directs and still works with the group ahead of the release of their seventh album.
Teacher: Steps singer Lisa Scott-Lee revealed she now runs a performing arts school in Dubai with 600 students
She told the Mirror: ‘Steps are my life. It has been my life for 24 years, but being a school principal is my daily job.
“I can never turn off. Even when I’m with Steps, rehearsing, or shooting a video, I’m working on my laptop. It has become a bit of a running joke. I have to switch between my Steps hat and my main hat, which can be very difficult and stressful at times.
“ I get on the plane as the main Lisa and I get off the plane as the pop star Lisa. ”
Project: The star, 45, accepted the job after moving permanently to the UAE with husband Johnny Shentall, 42 (pictured in 2014) and their two children Jaden, 13, and Star Lily, 11, in 2011
The center accommodates children aged 3 to 18 and offers students the opportunity to obtain a BTEC Diploma in Performing Arts.
Lisa told the publication that she was not in Dubai ‘herself in the sun’ but worked six days a week to make sure the day-to-day running of the school was running smoothly.
She added that although she is mainly “ in the office ” she still teaches song and dance and that she feels “ really proud ” when she tells people that she is a teacher.
Lisa and her Hear’Say star husband Johnny moved to Dubai in 2011 and she says some people there still sometimes recognize her as being in Steps.
Priorities: The couple started the Dubai Performing Arts Academy in 2014, which Lisa directs and still works with the group (pictured in 1998)
She explained that sometimes people start singing their hit song Tragedy to her, but most of the time she’s just “Miss Lisa”.
Lisa returned to the UK in October to promote Steps’ new studio album What the Future Holds alongside teammates Claire Richards, Lee Latchford-Evans, Faye Tozer and Ian ‘H’ Watkins.
But she has not been able to return since, as Dubai was placed on the travel red list.
Talented: Lisa told the Mirror: ‘Steps are my life. It’s been my life for 24 years, but being a school principal is my daily job ‘
Lisa said: “ It was really tough seeing the band play without me, but I will definitely be back for the new album and our arena tour later this year. ”
It comes after Steps announced the release of their seventh studio album early last month.
With ten new unreleased songs, the 15-track record – set for release in September 2021 – will also feature the voice of RuPaul’s Drag Race star Michelle Visage.
The iconic group broke the news in a YouTube video and also released the video for the song Heartbreak In This City, which stars Michelle.
Wow! It comes after Steps announced the release of their seventh studio album early last month.
The new album is a sequel to 2020’s What The Future Holds Pt 1 and will feature new songs alongside five acoustic versions of recent hits.
Heartbreak in the This City music video sees former Strictly star Michelle, 52, playing the role of “special agent.” The star is tasked with tracking down anyone experiencing grief.
The new music video for Steps was choreographed by Mark Jennings and shot primarily in Manchester under pandemic restrictions.
Discussing the new release, Lisa – who filmed her scenes in Dubai – said: “ We couldn’t have been more delighted with the reaction to our album What The Future Holds last November and the continued love of fans for all our single and video. been out since. ‘
Faye Tozer, 45, added: ‘While the lockdown was really tough, we were fortunate enough to use the time to record a bunch of new songs for all of you!
“What started as a deluxe version of the album has now grown into a complete new record.
Ian ‘H’ Watkins, 44, called one of the band’s upcoming tracks an “electronic anthem.”
Speaking of his favorite songs, the singer said, “ Some of our favorites include Take Me For A Ride which has a real ’80s vibe and A Hundred Years of Winter which is an icy electronic anthem written by our friend, the brilliant songwriter Darren Hayes of Wild Garden. ‘
Exciting: New album to feature ten new unreleased songs, and 15-track record set for release in September 2021
Steps split in 2001 after making fourteen consecutive debut singles, selling over 20 million records and reaching number one with three albums and three singles.
They won a BRIT award and hold the record for most consecutive sold-out nights at Wembley.
After a brief reunion in 2011, they embarked on a sold-out 12-date arena tour and release of their fourth album, before taking a hiatus.
Steps topped the charts in the 90s and early 00s with hits such as 5,6,7,8, Tragedy, Better The Devil You Know, and Love’s Got A Hold Of My Heart.
They were scheduled to tour their new album What the Future Holds Pt 1 but were forced to postpone it due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Playing live has always been our favorite part of Steps. We had the most fun of our touring career, ” the group told Daily Mail Australia in September.
Stars: Steps broke up in 2001 after fourteen consecutive best singles, sold over 20 million records and reached number one with three albums and three singles (pictured in 1998)
