Appleton Sisters Look Back: ‘She Was My Home Away from Home During the All Saints Craze’
The singers and siblings Nicole and Natalie Appleton open up about their upbringing in west London, achieving stardom in the 1990s, and reviving their musical career as a duo. In a heartfelt reflection, they share memories from their early days to the whirlwind of fame with All Saints.
Growing Up in West London: A Childhood of Community and Fun
Born in Canada, Natalie and Nicole Appleton were raised between Ontario, London, and New York before settling in west London. They describe their childhood as idyllic, despite the urban setting, with a tight-knit community feel. "We were always outside with a big gang of friends, knowing everyone from every flat," Nicole recalls. The sisters enjoyed simple pleasures like riding bikes, which they treated as cars, and even ran a small car-washing business for 10p per vehicle.
Nicole, the younger sister, often wore hand-me-downs from her older siblings, while Natalie saved pocket money for market-bought tops. Their bond was evident early on, with Natalie calling Nicole her "bookend and best friend." Both attended the Sylvia Young theatre school, where Nicole’s audition involved cartwheels to Flashdance, and they met future bandmate Melanie Blatt.
Rise to Fame with All Saints: A Whirlwind of Success
In 1996, the sisters joined All Saints alongside Shaznay Lewis and Melanie Blatt, catapulting to fame with hits like Never Ever and Pure Shores. Natalie remembers the shock of seeing their international schedule, realizing the magnitude of their success. "The 90s were lavish, with more money in the industry, but paying back our advance took a long time," she notes. The group appeared on shows like Top of the Pops, though they sometimes faced superficial questions about their looks or relationships.
All Saints split in 2001 after what Natalie describes as a "pressure cooker" environment, but the sisters continued making music together as Appleton in 2002. They have since reunited with All Saints for three albums, maintaining their creative partnership.
Enduring Sisterly Bond and New Music
Nicole emphasizes that working with her sister never strained their relationship. "Nat was and is my home away from home during the craziness of All Saints," she says. The sisters have stayed close, talking daily and sharing holidays, even celebrating one Christmas with a turkey mishap that ended in KFC. Nicole’s son, Gene Gallagher, inspired their recent return to music, suggesting they record together.
Their new single, Falling Into You, marks a fresh chapter. Natalie admires Nicole’s growth, calling her a great mum and auntie. "I couldn’t live without her," she admits. The sisters’ connection remains strong, with daily chats often centered on light topics like Married at First Sight Australia.
Legacy and Future Plans
Reflecting on their journey, the Appletons express pride in their unbreakable bond and shared experiences. From childhood adventures in London to global fame, they have navigated life’s ups and downs together. As they launch new music, they continue to cherish their sisterhood, proving that family ties can withstand the pressures of stardom.
