London: Former Page 3 model Sam Fox returns to filming with a nod to her memorable 1989 BRIT Awards appearance. As the 2025 ceremony approaches, the music community reflects on loss amidst renewed nostalgia, particularly remembering the late Liam Payne and his impact on the industry.

Sam Fox, the former Page 3 model, made a nostalgic return to the small screen as she filmed a sketch on Friday, taking inspiration from her memorable 1989 BRIT Awards appearance. The 58-year-old was seen sporting neon pink hair extensions reminiscent of her iconic hairstyle from that ceremony, alongside a Squid Game tracksuit. Her glam appearance was completed with dramatic make-up, while she reviewed her script and smoked a cigarette between takes. Accompanying her was her mother, Carole Ann Wilken, as they prepared for an undisclosed project.

The 1989 BRITs, which featured Fox alongside Mick Fleetwood, became infamous for their ill-fated presentation during the live event. Despite both having limited presenting experience, they were chosen for their unlikely pairing, resulting in a show filled with mishaps, including misplaced guests and a forgotten pre-recorded speech from Michael Jackson. Reflecting on that experience years later, Fox recounted to Smooth Radio, “I was only 19 and I had presenting experience, but if they wanted me to be quirky and fun, they should have put me with an experienced presenter.” She described the feeling of embarrassment during the live broadcast, stating, “When everything started going wrong I just wanted the floor to swallow me up.”

As preparations for the 2025 BRIT Awards unfold, this year’s ceremony is scheduled to take place on March 1 at London’s O2 Arena, with comedian Jack Whitehall returning as the host. This year’s event is layered with a poignant element, as it will commemorate the late One Direction member, Liam Payne, who died aged 31 following a fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires last October. Reports indicate that the surviving members of One Direction, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik, were approached about potentially reuniting to perform in tribute to Payne; however, sources have suggested that they are not inclined to do so, as they wish to keep the focus on remembering him during the event.

An insider explained the band’s decision, stating, “They have grieved in private and don’t feel the need to do a big, showy tribute for the sake of it.” The ongoing emotional turmoil surrounding Payne’s death has led to the conclusion that a performance would be too much for them. In connection to the tribute plans, it is anticipated that Whitehall will acknowledge Payne’s passing during the ceremony, with family members of the late singer being kept informed of the plans without directly participating in the tribute.

Following the news of Payne’s death, there were reports of the band reconnecting, attending his funeral together on October 31. However, no plans for a One Direction reunion seem to be on the horizon, with sources highlighting the varying lifestyles and locations of the members as further barriers to collaboration. Notably, Malik, who left the band in 2015, currently resides in America, complicating any potential group activities.

As the industry prepares for the 2025 BRIT Awards, the legacy of both past and present performers intertwines, while memories of iconic moments and tragic losses continue to shape the narrative of British music.

Source: Noah Wire Services