In 1996, the Euro-dance group known as ‘NoMansLand” released a song titled “7 Seconds” featuring uncredited vocals from Jo O’Meara.
The track was written by Eddie Gibson and Kevin Estevez and released in various countries around Europe and performed on television screens.
“7 Seconds” is a Eurodance track that captures the mid-’90s club scene with its upbeat tempo, atmospheric synths, and rhythmic electronic beats. Built around a catchy melodic hook, the song blends dancefloor energy with a slightly dreamy, almost trance-like vibe that was popular across European charts at the time.
In Germany, the track entered the charts on 01 November 1996 with the following chart run: 47-45-31-29-20-23-23-27-32-32-41-43-50-55-95-OUT
On 07 November 1997, popular British band Spice Girls announced publicly that they were splitting from their long time manager, Simon Fuller.
In a BBC radio documentary he was quoted stating that after his firing from the Spice Girls, he thought up S Club 7.
“I think the fact the Spice Girls could wake up and decide they didn’t want to work with me anymore wasn’t great, so I wanted to build my next project that couldn’t disband and breakup and it was mine”
He further states: “S Club 7, in some ways was a continuation of some of the things I’d have liked to have done with the Spice Girls.”
Jon Lee’s arrival in EastEnders in 1996 marked a memorable moment for fans of the long-running British soap. Best known today for his later success with the pop group S Club 7, Lee took on an early acting role that showcased his versatility and on-screen charisma. His appearance in EastEnders added fresh energy to the series during a pivotal era, as the show continued to dominate UK television ratings with its gritty storylines and relatable characters.
For viewers revisiting classic EastEnders episodes, Jon Lee’s 1996 role offers an intimate glimpse into the early career of a performer who would go on to achieve multi-faceted success in both music and acting. His contribution, though brief, remains a point of interest for fans and pop culture historians exploring the evolution of talent within the British entertainment industry.
Whether you’re a longtime EastEnders enthusiast or researching Jon Lee’s career journey, his 1996 stint on the iconic soap is a noteworthy chapter that highlights the show’s legacy of featuring rising stars.
Jon’s time on the show lasted from 18 November 1997 to 30 April 1998. His character, though not shown, was mentioned in a 15 July 2025 episode of the show. For more information on Jon’s character click here.
In 1998, Jo O’meara was a founding member of the German rap group “2-4 Family”. The band consisted of Jay Dogg (Mike Johnson), Joseph Jazz (Joseph Bellamy), and Essence Woods (Essie Woods).
The founding group released one song titled “Stay” which features vocals from each member. The song gained popularity on the German Singles chart, with the following chart run: 82-47-47-30-29-21-14-14-13-12-08-08-09-11-11-14-21-26-31-42-48-50-50-56-64-OUT
At some point between the original release on 21 July 1998 and the limited edition Christmas single on 30 November 1998, O’Meara was no longer with the band. O’Meara vocals and images are featured on the Christmas version of the song despite no longer being in the group.
Following O’Meara’s departure, Jo was replaced by singer Joanna Biscardine, who went by the name Miss Jo. Together, 2-4 Family participated in the single “Last Christmas” as part of the rap supergroup Rap AllStars. Jo O’Meara’s Vocals, do not appear in the song but her photo (the same one used for the “Stay” cover) was utilized.
Covers
Original Release
Christmas Release
Rap AllStars
Video
Aftermath
Following O’Meara’s departure, the group released two follow-up singles “Lean On Me (With The Family)” (which is a cover of a Bill Withers song). Their album “Family Business” was released in March of 1999, and the final single “Take Me Home” in June of 1999.
In September of 1998, Hannah Spearritt starred in the television movie ‘The Carter Street Hangman’, starring as Emily.
The film is based off the 1979 book of the same name written by Robert Hale. The film adaptation departs slightly from the novel, dwelling less on seamy motives, and having a slightly different ending.
In late 1998, auditions for a band called ‘Candy Club’ were underway. Members were chosen from various methods, but the original line up consisted of Hannah Spearritt, Paul Cattermole, Jon Lee, Tina Barrett, and Rachel Stevens.
As a five piece, the band recorded numerous songs including an unreleased cover track titled “I Want Candy” and presumably “Tie A Yellow Ribbon”.
By early 1999, the Sugar Club concept had morphed into S Club 7, with the addition of two additional members. Jo O’Meara and Bradley McIntosh.
As a seven piece the band recorded much of their debut album in Stargate Studios in Sandefjord, Norway, and Steelworks Studios in Sheffield, England before jetting off to America to film a television series “Miami 7”.
Jon Lee’s arrival in EastEnders in 1996 marked a memorable moment for fans of the long-running British soap. Best known today for his later success with the pop group S Club 7, Lee took on an early acting role that showcased his versatility and on-screen charisma. His appearance in EastEnders added fresh energy to the series during a pivotal era, as the show continued to dominate UK television ratings with its gritty storylines and relatable characters.
