For this episode, we've ventured (just) outside the '90s and '00s to discuss Joe McElderry's 2010 single, 'Ambitions'. And we've bent the rules with good reason because the man himself joins us to look back at his first post-X Factor release.

Joe gives us all the background on the song's origins as a chart-topping hit for the Norwegian band Donkeyboy and how it helped shape the sound of his debut album, 'Wide Awake'. We discuss the making of the music video (including that iconic choreography) and how the record label reacted to the commercial performance of 'Ambitions'. 

Joe also talks to us about his subsequent success becoming a triple-reality TV show winner, the inspiration behind his recent material, honouring George Michael's musical legacy and much more. 

We hope you enjoy listening to the episode — and discovering what life is like inside and outside the X Factor bubble — as much as we did recording it. 

Joe McElderry is currently touring with Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat until the 10th of August 2025. Tickets for the remaining dates are available at: https://uk.josephthemusical.com/

Joe will also be touring later this year. For tickets and more information, head over to: https://www.joemcelderryofficial.com/

You can follow Joe McElderry on Instagram: @joemcelderryofficial and TikTok: @joemcelderryofficial

You can also follow us on Instagram: @mat_atkins9, @cantstop_thepop and TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast, @cantstop_thepop

In this kingsize episode, Matty and Craig look back at 'Let's Dance', which earned Five their third #1 hit while simultaneously becoming the backdrop to the group's sudden implosion as they split before the single had even left the top 40. 

There are differing opinions on the song, and a music video that hasn't aged particularly well for several reasons. We also revisit how Five announced their split on MTV just four weeks after releasing their third album, 'Kingsize'...it's not an easy listen. Plus, fans of 'Inspector Gadget' rejoice because we even found time to talk about that, too!

If you like what we do, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you want even more exclusive Can't Stop The Pop content, head over to Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/cantstopthepop

To read about 'Let's Dance' on Can't Stop The Pop: https://www.cantstopthepop.com/2021/08/09/five-lets-dance/ 

You can also follow us on: Instagram: @mat_atkins9, @cantstop_thepop  TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast, @cantstop_thepop YouTube: @cantstopthepop

This week, Matty and Craig look back at a seminal moment for pop music, when Will Young released Leave Right Now and proved there was life after TV talent shows with a critically and commercially acclaimed second album. 

We examine the origins of the track and how Eg White began by trying to write a Christmas song for Gareth Gates. We also discuss the single-shot music video and share some quirky chart stats, which saw Leave Right Now almost beaten to the #1 spot in the UK and belatedly enter the US Billboard Hot 100 in 2010. Plus, this was the era of the infamously terrible World Idol, and you'd better believe we have thoughts on that...

If you like what we do, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you want even more exclusive Can't Stop The Pop content, head over to Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/cantstopthepop

You can also follow us on: Instagram: @mat_atkins9, @cantstop_thepop  TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast, @cantstop_thepop YouTube: @cantstopthepop

In this episode, Matty and Craig hit the Ibiza dancefloor to look back at Melanie C's I Turn To You. The fourth single from the Northern Star album received a remix by Hex Hector, which helped propel it to the top of the charts.

We discuss misheard lyrics in the song, an unintentional Jurassic Park reference in the music video, and those all-important stats, which saw Melanie C become the first woman to score a #1 hit as part of a quintet, quartet, duo, and as a solo artist.

If you like what we do, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you want even more exclusive Can't Stop The Pop content, head over to Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/cantstopthepop

To read about I Turn To You on Can't Stop The Pop: https://www.cantstopthepop.com/2020/08/03/melanie-c-i-turn-to-you/

You can also follow us on: Instagram: @mat_atkins9, @cantstop_thepop  TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast, @cantstop_thepop YouTube: @cantstopthepop

In this episode, we're looking back at H & Claire's third (and final) single, All Out Of Love. It's a song that, in many ways, marked a full-circle moment for the duo, reuniting them with a familiar team of Steps songwriters as they prepared to release their debut album.

There's so much to discuss, not least a Jumanji-inspired dance break from the music video. Plus, Matty questions whether the track's key change is real, and the evidence against is compelling. Let us know your thoughts on that one...! 

If you like what we do, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you want even more exclusive Can't Stop The Pop content, head over to Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/cantstopthepop

To read about All Out Of Love on Can't Stop The Pop: https://www.cantstopthepop.com/2020/11/02/h-claire-all-out-of-love/

You can also follow us on: Instagram: @mat_atkins9, @cantstop_thepop  TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast, @cantstop_thepop YouTube: @cantstopthepop

In this episode, we're joined by Louise Fudge - one third of Supersister - to talk about the group's iconic '00s hit, Coffee. Find out what inspired the lyrics, what the song's got in common with It's Raining Men, and which act were chosen to perform on Top Of The Pops instead of Supersister.  We also discuss their recently released Lip Service album, the group's triumphant live comeback at Mighty Hoopla 2025 and what's next for Supersister. We had a latte fun (sorry) recording this one, so we hope you enjoy it!

To read about 'Coffee' on Can't Stop The Pop: https://www.cantstopthepop.com/2020/09/28/supersister-coffee/

You can follow Supersister on Instagram: @supersister_official and TikTok: @supersister_official

You can also follow us on Instagram: @mat_atkins9, @cantstop_thepop and TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast, @cantstop_thepop

Welcome to the fourth and final episode of a special series of Can't Stop The Pop X CCTV: The Nonstop Pop Show, where we pit Steps against S Club in an almighty pop-off.  

Here's how it works: The singles from both acts were paired chronologically from their debut onwards, and we picked our favourite for each round. By this point, we're deep into the S Club Juniors/8-era of the S Club brand, as we compare and discuss:

Here and Now vs New DirectionYou'll Be Sorry vs Puppy LoveChain Reaction vs Fool No MoreWords Are Not Enough vs SundownI Know Him So Well vs Don't Tell Me You're Sorry

Which act will triumph? Listen to the full series of episodes to find out. 

Follow CCTV: The Nonstop Pop Show on X: @cctvpops, Instagram: @cctvpops and on YouTube: @cctvpops

Follow Craig on X: @cantstoppop, Instagram: @cantstop_thepop and TikTok: @cantstop_thepop Follow Matty on Instagram: @mat_atkins9 and TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast

Welcome to the second episode in a special four-part series of Can't Stop The Pop X CCTV: The Nonstop Pop Show, where we pit Steps against S Club in an almighty pop-off.  

Here's how it works: The singles from both acts were paired chronologically from their debut onwards, and we picked our favourite for each round. In this episode, we compare and discuss:

Better Best Forgotten vs NaturalLove's Got A Hold On My Heart vs Never Had A Dream Come TrueAfter The Love Has Gone vs Don't Stop Movin'Say You'll Be Mine vs Have You EverBetter The Devil You Know vs You

Which act will triumph? Listen to the full series of episodes to find out. 

Follow CCTV: The Nonstop Pop Show on X: @cctvpops, Instagram: @cctvpops and on YouTube: @cctvpops

Follow Craig on X: @cantstoppop, Instagram: @cantstop_thepop and TikTok: @cantstop_thepop Follow Matty on Instagram: @mat_atkins9 and TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast

It's time...

For our Christmas episode, we're celebrating 30 years of All I Want For Christmas Is You and discussing how Mariah Carey's 1994 festive hit has become a perennial chart staple.

Among the talking points are the song's origins (and an embarrassing attempt by Craig to pronounce Walter Afanasieff's name), its initial chart success and what's happened in the streaming era, we look back at some iconic live performances, reflect on how the track has become an annual meme, and Matty shares his thoughts on All I Want For Christmas Is You (SuperFestive!) featuring Justin Bieber. 

We hope you enjoy the episode as much as we did recording and editing it. Happy holidays to all our listeners. 

If you like what we do, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts! You can also follow us on X: @matkinsactor @cantstoppop, Instagram: @mat_atkins9 @cantstop_thepop and TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast

Welcome to the third episode in a special four-part series of Can't Stop The Pop X CCTV: The Nonstop Pop Show, where we pit Steps against S Club in an almighty pop-off.  

Here's how it works: The singles from both acts were paired chronologically from their debut onwards, and we picked our favourite for each round. In this episode, S Club pass the baton to S Club Juniors as we compare and discuss:

Deeper Shade Of Blue vs AliveWhen I Said Goodbye vs Say GoodbyeSummer Of Love vs Love Ain't Gonna Wait For YouStomp vs One Step CloserIt's The Way You Make Me Feel vs Automatic High

Which act will triumph? Listen to the full series of episodes to find out. 

Follow CCTV: The Nonstop Pop Show on X: @cctvpops, Instagram: @cctvpops and on YouTube: @cctvpops

Follow Craig on X: @cantstoppop, Instagram: @cantstop_thepop and TikTok: @cantstop_thepop Follow Matty on X: @matkinsactor, Instagram: @mat_atkins9 and TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast