Now approaching their ninth year as a band, McFly are on the cusp of an important transition: from pre-pubescent boyband to fully-fledged manband.

After a successful stint on the reality circuit which saw Dougie Poynter crowned king of the jungle on I'm a Celeb and Harry Judd win Strictly Come Dancing, the group have promptly re-entered the studio to work on their sixth studio album.

Digital Spy caught up with Harry ahead of their Wembley Stadium gig next month to find out more about said-record.

You're in rehearsals today for a show at Wembley Stadium next month. Do you still get nervous about large gigs?

"We still get quite nervous; especially with a show like this when it's not a crowd who have come out to see you. We're down at the Saracens training ground today for some rehearsals for our halftime show and to do some training with the teams, which should be fun. Getting some exercise in whilst working is handy!"

Are you planning to upstage Madonna's Super Bowl show?

"Not quite! I don't think we could ever rival Madonna - it's not really our style."

How's life in McFly been since you won Strictly?

"I had a couple of weeks off for Christmas, which I spent at home, and then I started the Strictly tour. Today is the first day that we've all been at work together for a while actually!"

Your win and Dougie's I'm a Celeb triumph have pushed the band back into the spotlight again; how's it been for the rest of the group?

"It's been good, but we haven't really been together since it all happened. The other guys have been working on the next album. We're all really looking forward to putting out some new music and getting back on the road."

Were you nervous about doing the reality shows? It can make or break a career...

"Exactly. We were both really nervous about it! Putting yourself out there is always a scary thing, and thankfully it worked out pretty well for us."

Has it encouraged Tom or Danny to get involved in reality TV?

"Now me and Dougie have won, the pressure is on (laughs)! Seriously though, I think we're going to quit at it while we're ahead."

We think Danny would be great on Come Dine With Me.

"I think Danny would love to do a cooking show actually. Learning something new is good fun and hard work, and it's always good to get out your normal routine."

Everything seemed to go quiet in the band for a while before you both entered those shows...

"I suppose it did go a bit quiet. We did an album in 2010, but we had a long gap between album four and five. We'd been going for six or seven years; it took a year and a half to make it, and we didn't do much publicity during that time. I think we realised how hard it was to get people interested again. I think we'd taken our success for granted. Thankfully the album went well and we had a big hit with 'Shine A Light', which meant we could go on tour again. At the same time though, other bands were coming through and it's hard to stay relevant."

Did you ever consider splitting up?

"No definitely not, unless there's something they're not telling me! I think we have something unique within the four of us. We're still going strong and we're still great mates so I can't imagine it happening any time soon. We hope we can still have success that allows us to release music and tour."

What does your new material sound like?

"It's really hard to describe at the moment. Danny has been putting together some demos and they sound amazing - they're very carefully produced already. It's exciting when the demos themselves sound great. Danny has also been DJing and working with Roger Sanchez, which I think is having a great impact on the band as he's learnt so much more on the production side of things."

The last album was more polished than your usual output; will your next record continue that sound?

"It was definitely more mature pop, which some people didn't get. It was also a different style of songwriting. This next album is a bit more raw sounding like our older stuff, but we're still keen on keeping some of the more polished production in there. It's hard to describe at the moment!"

You worked with Dallas Austin and Taio Cruz on Above The Noise; who would you like to work with on this LP?

"I haven't spoken to the guys about it but we're definitely open to collaborating again. We're just starting to play the label the new songs, so we'll see. In a dream world I'd love to work with so many people. A female artist would be great - Jessie J would be amazing, though she's obviously doing extremely well at the moment. Like you say, in a dream world!"

Saracens and Aviva are bringing McFly to Wembley for a special pre-game and half-time show at the Aviva Premiership Rugby clash against Harlequins at Wembley on Saturday 31st March. Ticket prices start from just £5, to buy your ticket visit www.saracensatwembley.com or call Ticketmaster on 0844 847 2482.

Source: http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/interviews/a366083/mcfly-interview-we-cant-imagine-splitting-up.html

Strictly Come Dancing winner Harry Judd took to the stage in Cardiff last night – and said he was bracing himself for a tough reception from the Welsh crowd.

The McFly drummer, who won the latest series just before Christmas was performing alongside his fellow contestants at last night’s glitterball extravaganza, including runner-up Chelsee Healey, Jason Donovan, former Wales footballer Robbie Savage and Nancy Dell’Olio.

And before the show, which also included judges Len Goodman, Craig Revel-Horwood and Bruno Tonioli, the 26-year-old told us he was expecting some banter from his mate Robbie’s Welsh fans.

Having won 24 out of a possible 27 in the live shows so far, Harry laughed: “I expect he’ll get seven wins out of seven wins down here in Wales. He’s lucky Russell Grant and Alex Jones aren’t here too though. He’ll get lots of support tonight.

“We’re having such fun on tour. It’s a lot less nerve-wracking than the show because this is just for fun.

“I’ll be dancing the Argentine tango and the quickstep with Aliona and I love performing them. I’ve done pretty well so far on tour but here in Wales, you never know?”

Harry is used to performing in Wales with his band McFly but the Motorpoint Arena has been transformed into a fabulous set, complete with massive glitterball and live band and he said he’d never seen it looking so impressive.

He said: “It seems much more intimate than when I’ve performed here with the boys, but it’s good to be back. The only difference this time is that the audience is so different. I’ve never had so many grannys or mums supporting me but I’m obviously really grateful for everyone who rang in and voted.

“I suppose this is our chance to give something back to the audience. I’m looking forward to it. I’m looking forward to hearing a few Welsh heckles.”

Runner-up Chelsee, who dances with Pasha Kovolev, said she was pleased to have got a win under her belt after charming her hometown crowd in Manchester.

But she said it was obvious Harry was the king of this 2012 tour, which also stars ex-Olympic swimmer Mark Foster and ex-EastEnder Anita Dobson.

She said: “I’ve just had so much fun doing Strictly I don’t know what I’m going to do with myself when it all ends. I’ve left Waterloo Road now so I suppose I’ll take a little break and then start back on the audition circuit. I was really pleased to win at Manchester, in front of my home crowd. That was fab!”

Chelsee has loved dressing up in the glamorous gowns but she said she’s looking forward to slobbing out in tracksuit bottoms and hoodies.

She said: “I’ve loved the dresses, the whole Strictly experience has been amazing but I do tend to slob out when I’m not performing. I’ll be dancing the Beyonce show dance that I did in the final and the quickstep so I’m hoping the Cardiff crowd enjoy the show. It’s certainly a lot of fun.”

Read our review of last night’s show in tomorrow’s Echo Live. Strictly Come Dancing: The Live Tour 2012 is on at Cardiff Motorpoint Arena at various times until Sunday. Box office: 029 2022 4488

Source: http://yourcardiff.walesonline.co.uk/2012/02/16/taff-welcome-for-mcflys-harry-judd-as-he-takes-to-the-strictly-stage-in-cardiff/

McFly have claimed that they took their success for granted before releasing their last album.

The group's drummer Harry Judd, who won last year's Strictly Come Dancing, told Digital Spy that the band spent too long out of the public eye before releasing 2010's Above The Noise, which peaked at number 20 on the album charts.

Speaking ahead of band's live show at Wembley Stadium, Judd said: "We did an album in 2010, but we had a long gap between album four and five. We'd been going for six or seven years; it took a year and a half to make it, and we didn't do any publicity during that time.

"I think we realised how hard it was to get people interested again. I think we'd taken our success for granted. Thankfully the album went well and we had a big hit with 'Shine A Light', which meant we could go on tour again."

He added: "At the same time though, other bands were coming through and it's hard to stay relevant."

Asked if the group, who have been together for nine years, have considered splitting up, he insisted: "No definitely not, unless there's something they're not telling me! I think we have something unique in the four of us.

"We're still going strong and we're still great mates. We hope we can still have success that allows us to release music and tour."

Judd recently admitted that it felt "strange" leaving Strictly Come Dancing.

McFly will be performing at the Aviva Premiership Rugby clash between Saracens and Harlequins at Wembley on Saturday, March 31. Tickets are available at www.saracensatwembley.com

Source: http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a365743/mcflys-harry-judd-we-took-our-success-for-granted.html

MCFLY and The Wanted are to headline this year's Mouth of the Tyne Festival, it was announced today.

The chart-topping bands will play in the grounds of Tynemouth Priory and Castle on July 13 and 14 respectively.

They follow in the footsteps of the likes of Scouting For Girls, Alexandra Burke, The Script, James Morrison and Beverley Knight, who have all performed at the festival in the past.

The multi award-winning McFly, boasting current King of the Jungle Dougie Poynter and Strictly champ Harry Judd, return to the North East after their Up Close and Personal UK tour, which is at the O2 Academy Newcastle in April.

Dougie, Harry, Danny and Tom will select their favourite hits from over 15 Top Ten singles and five Top 20 albums at their show on Friday July 13.

Harry is currently wowing the crowds on the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle.

One of Britain's biggest pop bands, The Wanted, have had four Top 5 singles including two number ones.

They will return to Tyneside, following the gig at the Metro Radio Arena later this month.

Jay, Max, Nathan, Siva and Tom have been viewed 30 million times on YouTube and sold over 400,000 copies of their debut album.

They will play the Mouth of the Tyne on Saturday, July 14.

Tickets on sale from tomorrow.

Source: http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/entertainment-in-newcastle/music/2012/02/08/mcfly-and-the-wanted-to-play-mouth-of-the-tyne-festival-72703-30289811/#ixzz1lmtZCWsY

THEY used to prop up many a bar into the wee small hours... but the boys from McFly are supporting one of their own now instead.

The band have all decided to quit the booze to help Dougie Poynter, who went into rehab last year following his split from Frankie Sandford.

I’m A Celebrity winner Dougie, 24, said: “None of the boys really drink now to help me out. We are all a bit more grown-up now, so the novelty has kind of worn off. In the early days of McFly, we went wild!”

He’s not wrong. Dougie, along with Tom Fletcher, Danny Jones and Strictly Come Dancing champ Harry Judd, were one of the thirstiest bands in pop.

But Dougie went on: “I’m not missing the booze. I had to give up because I always took it too far. Now I’m clear-headed, I like being hangover-free – I get a lot more achieved.

“Once you get through that barrier at events and nights out, you realise you aren’t getting drunk and it’s fine.” The boys are joining Harry on his Strictly tour, which landed in Liverpool last night, so the drummer can rehearse for their upcoming tour in April.

A source said: “Tom, Dougie and Danny are joining Harry on lots of his tour dates so they can squeeze in some rehearsals ahead of April. He can’t be in two places at once, so they’ve all agreed to take their practices to him. They’re basically seeing it as a huge road trip. And it gives them a change of scenery from the studio.”

Now that’s what I call teamwork.

Source: http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2012/02/06/mcfly-give-up-booze-to-help-tee-total-dougie-poynter-115875-23737824/#ixzz1lbQPCMGE

CONTRARY to popular belief, DOUGIE POYNTER tells me he is not getting married to his artist girlfriend Lara Carew-Jones.

“I’m too young to be engaged,” the McFly bassist told me at the MediCinema Star Wars dinner.

Dougie was keen to chat about his new fashion label Saint Kidd, which launches in a couple of weeks.

“I’ve named it after my favourite pirate Captain William Kidd. I really like pirates.”

Yup. Definitely too young to be engaged.

Lifted from this article containing various celeb items: http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2012/02/05/mcfly-s-dougie-poynter-says-he-is-too-young-to-get-engaged-115875-23735898/#ixzz1lViyNkWJ

ESSEX romeo Mark Wright and McFly stud Dougie Poynter fancy themselves as the new Ant and Dec.

The tangoed TOWIE hunk, 25, and his new best pal and jungle buddy Dougie Poynter, 24, are hoping to land their own TV show as a comedy double act.

The lads’ bromance has reached dizzying heights following their life-changing stint sleeping side by side in Australia for I’m A Celeb.

A well-placed TV know-it-all told us: “Mark and Doug are itching to land their own TV show, something they can front together as a duo.

“Mark has loads of ideas and is really serious about trying to get producers to consider them.

“They’re both really active and sporty so a high-energy, fun-packed entertainment show would be ideal.

“They have a huge fan base, individually and together. Most girls fancy them but they also appeal to men as they’ve got the blokey banter.

“Mark has admitted Ant and Dec are a huge inspiration.”

When he’s not spending his time humping the female population of Essex, Mark is telling anyone who’ll listen he wants to be a TV presenter.

Mr Loverboy is currently co-presenting Take Me Out spin-off show The Gossip on ITV2. He’s also a health expert on ITV’s Daybreak.

Source: http://www.dailystar.co.uk/goss/view/233199/Mark-Wright-and-Dougie-Poynter-TV-dream/

STRICTLY star Harry Judd waltzed down to Thorpe’s Lifehouse Country Spa for a well deserved rest before quickstepping off for the show’s national dance tour.

Harry, who is the drummer with boy band McFly, danced his way to the coveted Strictly Come Dancing title just before Christmas.

The Essex boy said: “It’s a lovely area and my dad used to own a beach hut along the seafront.

“I used to play with the Frinton Tennis Club in mixed doubles and actually won a tournament there when I was younger.”

Harry came to Thorpe for a chill-out break with violinist girlfriend Izzy Johnston, who recently left classical band Escala.

She has been supporting Harry every step of the way in Strictly but said she missed him during filming.

“It was lovely just to actually see Harry,” said Izzy.

“We have been in the Strictly bubble for the last couple of months and it has been lovely to finally spend Christmas with family and now totally relax.”

Source: http://www.clactonandfrintongazette.co.uk/news/9467901.McFly_s_Harry_has_spa_quality/

McFly have been approached to front their own Saturday night variety show.

Both the BBC and ITV have reportedly expressed an interest in the 'Star Girl' hitmakers - made up of Dougie Poynter, Harry Judd, Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones - in the hope of capitalising on the success of Harry's victory on 'Strictly Come Dancing' and Dougie being crowned King of the Jungle on 'I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here!'.

An insider told the Daily Mail newspaper: "There has been significant interest from the main broadcasters and a number of production companies about a show."

Harry has previously claimed none of the other members of McFly could have been as successful on 'I'm A Celeb' as Dougie, as his bandmate's "funny and quirky" qualities would always win over viewers.

He said: "None of us could have done 'I'm A Celebrity' but Dougie. He's the shyest, but once you get to know him, he's so funny and quirky. He's very endearing as a person.

"'Strictly' suits me because I work hard, and I'm probably the best dancer out of all of us."

Source: http://entertainment.stv.tv/tv/292587-mcfly-to-front-saturday-night-variety-show/

Dougie Poynter reckons McFly need to spice things up a bit.

The cute guitarist was crowned I'm A Celebrity King Of The Jungle just before Christmas and then band mate Harry Judd lifted the Strictly Come Dacing winners' trophy.

Now Dougie's wondering what's next.

'We really need to up our game,' says Dougie, 24.

'Maybe naked dirty dancing is the way forward, or we could release a McFly sex tape starring all of us.'

Dougie likes to joke around but he and Harry, 25, Tom Fletcher, 26, and Danny Jones, 25, have no reservations when it comes to stripping off.

'We're all more than comfortable getting naked,' he tells the Daily Star.

'Everyone's seen the whole of McFly nude numerous times.'

Source: www.nowmagazine.co.uk/celebrity-news/533052/dougie-poynter-maybe-dirty-dancing-or-a-sex-tape-is-the-way-forward-for-mcfly/1