Inside Birmingham’s Utilita Arena, preparations are underway for the opening night of the Pussycat Dolls’ first UK tour in 17 years. Members Nicole Scherzinger, Ashley Roberts, and Kimberly Wyatt are gearing up for a tour that follows a successful European leg, during which they sold over 150,000 tickets. Despite the physical toll associated with their high-energy performances, the group remains committed to delivering a full show.
Nicole Scherzinger, 48, revealed she is currently recovering from a throat infection and is on antibiotics. She also sustained a burn injury just before their recent show in Düsseldorf when a vocal steamer filled with boiling water spilled on her. Although the injury caused significant pain and stress, she continued with the performance. “The show must go on,” she said, reflecting the group’s determination to push through their physical challenges. Ashley Roberts, 45, humorously referred to the tour’s title, PCD Forever, noting, “You’re going to be scarred for life,” a nod to the intense demands of their choreography.
Their 90-minute set features their greatest hits alongside solo performances, particularly spotlighting Scherzinger. The show includes complex staging elements such as multiple performance areas and a choreography that integrates six backup dancers. The tour will cover venues across the UK and Ireland over the next two weeks, with performances scheduled in Leeds, Liverpool, Dublin, Glasgow, Newcastle, Manchester, and London.
Both Roberts and Wyatt, who have lived in the UK for over ten years, expressed enthusiasm about returning to perform in front of British audiences. Roberts described the experience as “coming home” and called it an emotional moment, while Wyatt said she feels “grateful” to share the stage again after nearly two decades.
The group’s reunion initially began in 2019 with plans for a 2020 arena tour, which was postponed by the COVID-19 pandemic and later canceled due to legal disagreements between Scherzinger and the group’s founder, Robin Antin. The current lineup does not include Carmit Bachar and Jessica Sutta, who had been part of the earlier reunion plans. Both declared surprise upon learning they would no longer be involved. However, Wyatt emphasized no hostility remains, describing them as “brilliant humans” who have pursued their own successful paths.
Scherzinger reinforced the sentiment that the current members share a unified commitment and mindset. “The people who want to be here are here,” she said, highlighting the importance of alignment in energy, spirit, and focus for the group to function effectively.
The trio has strengthened their bond offstage as well, including recent late-night outings in France. Roberts recounted one occasion in Paris where the group’s celebration extended into the early morning hours, although she acknowledged the physical challenges of balancing social moments with demanding performances. Despite the occasional setback, the group maintains a high level of professionalism and enthusiasm as they embark on this long-awaited tour.