December 31st 2024.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor, the 00s chart-topping pop star, has had an amazing year in 2024. Her career has experienced a huge resurgence, all thanks to the explicit and off-beat thriller Saltburn. This dark comedy thriller was released on Prime Video last year, after a limited run in cinemas, and quickly became one of the platform's most streamed titles of all time. And it's not just the film that has garnered attention, but also the ingenious use of one of Ellis-Bextor's biggest hits, "Murder on the Dancefloor," in the final scene.
In this scene, lead actor Barry Keoghan's character triumphantly dances fully naked through the halls of Saltburn stately home to the track, instantly making it a memorable moment in cinema history. The use of the song has also helped Ellis-Bextor soar back into the charts, with the film's success leading to her song reaching the top spots once again. But "Murder on the Dancefloor" is not the only eyebrow-raising moment in Saltburn, with scenes set in a cemetery and featuring bathwater drinking.
When asked about her song's resurgence, Ellis-Bextor shared that she first noticed something was happening with her 23-year-old hit during the Christmas holiday last year, as the numbers for streaming and TikTok interactions skyrocketed. She couldn't believe that her old friend, "Murder on the Dancefloor," was back in the spotlight and taking her for another twirl. And this year has been all about turning that abstract feeling into an actuality.
Ellis-Bextor has performed an impressive 110 shows this year, breaking into the charts once again thanks to Saltburn. Tonight, she will be hosting a New Year's Eve Disco on BBC One, which will be her 110th show of the year – the most she's ever done. To put it into context, Taylor Swift only performed 83 shows this year on her worldwide Eras Tour. The singer is happy to acknowledge the power of Saltburn and the part it played in her comeback. She said, "The year started with an old friend, 'Murder on the Dancefloor,' taking me for another twirl. It's like having a second honeymoon."
But it's not just about the charts and performances. Ellis-Bextor has also appeared at the Baftas and on The Tonight Show in the US, hosted by Jimmy Fallon. She also went viral on TikTok, which she described as "like a bit of magic lightning striking." She loves seeing fans engage with and react to her music on the platform, saying that it adds even more energy to what she's doing. And with TikTok, she has been able to see this before even going on tour, something she had to wait for back in 2001.
The singer remains loyal to the Oscar-nominated Keoghan for his committed performance in Saltburn. When asked to choose between him and co-star Jacob Elordi, she picked Keoghan, saying, "I have to go for Barry. I mean, if it wasn't him and his naked dancing..." And it's not just Ellis-Bextor singing his praises – Saltburn was nominated for two Golden Globes and five Bafta Film Awards.
Written and directed by Emerald Fennell, Saltburn also stars Rosamund Pike, Richard E Grant, Alison Oliver, Archie Madekwe, and Carey Mulligan. Fennell revealed that they "went to places that are quite extreme" in the film, and many fans have praised its unexpected and twisted nature. As one reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes put it, "Perfectly uncomfortable watch." And another said, "I don't get offended easily, so this movie was for me."
Sophie Ellis-Bextor's New Year's Eve Disco airs tonight at 11:30pm on BBC One, and Saltburn is available to stream on Prime Video. If you have a celebrity story, video, or pictures, share it with the entertainment team at The Agency by emailing us, calling 020 3615 2145, or visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.
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