Sophie Ellis-Bextor Stuns in Glittering Mini Dress During Surprise ‘Murder on the Dancefloor’ Performance at Reading Festival

Sophie Ellis-Bextor Stuns at Reading Festival with Electrifying Performance
[Image: Sophie Ellis-Bextor dazzles in a disco-themed mini-dress and cape on stage.]

Sophie Ellis-Bextor, 46, delivered a show-stopping surprise at Reading Festival on Saturday, joining Australian duo Royel Otis to perform her 2001 hit Murder on the Dancefloor. The singer, whose music recently resurged thanks to its feature in Saltburn (2023), captivated the crowd in a glittering silver, black, and gold mini-dress adorned with the word “disco,” paired with a shimmering light-blue cape. Her retro glam was completed with a red lip, smokey eye, and sleek updo.

Royel Otis later showcased tracks from their album Hickey, but Sophie’s surprise set stole the spotlight. The track’s revival began after it soundtracked a now-iconic nude dance scene in Saltburn, starring Barry Keoghan. Sophie admitted on The Kyle and Jackie O Show that she was so engrossed in the film during a family screening, she momentarily forgot her song was featured.

[Image: Sophie performing with Royel Otis, crowd cheering.]

Ageless Icon
Fans marveled at Sophie’s timeless appearance, comparing her 2024 festival look to photos from her 2001 Planet of the Apes premiere. The mother of five has embraced her career resurgence, telling MailOnline she no longer battles “mum guilt” over balancing work and family. “Being a working mother makes me a better parent,” she said, hoping her drive inspires her children. Her eldest son, 20, recently moved in with her mother, TV presenter Janet Ellis, 69—a setup Sophie calls “wholesome.”

[Image: Sophie at the 2001 premiere vs. 2024 festival appearance.]

Becky Hill Lights Up the Stage
Fellow performer Becky Hill, 31, turned heads at Reading’s Chevron Stage in denim cargo pants and a crop top. The duo previously collaborated on the Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (2021) soundtrack. Hill’s energetic set kept the festival vibe alive, proving her status as a dance-pop powerhouse.

[Image: Becky Hill performing in a bold denim ensemble.]

Family First
Sophie, married to The Feeling’s Richard Jones since 2005, reflected on their whirlwind romance—they welcomed their first child just six weeks into dating. Now parents to five boys (Sonny, 20; Kit, 15; Ray, 11; Jesse, 9; Mickey, 5), she jokes that a sixth child is “out of the question.” Embracing her career’s second wind, Sophie’s festival comeback cemented her as both a music legend and a dynamic performer.

[Image: Sophie and Richard Jones with their children.]

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