Appleton sisters return with first single as a duo in more than two decades

Appleton have stepped back into view with the arrival of their new single Falling Into You, their first release as a duo in more than 20 years.

The song lands 23 years after Nicole and Natalie Appleton last made music together, following a long stretch of rumours and hope from fans that the sisters might reunite.

They wrote the track alongside Gareth Young, who also produced their 2002 single Fantasy, working this time with his current collaborator Bnann.

Reflecting on being back in the studio together, Nicole said the connection was immediate, explaining that the writing felt natural and that the song “just flowed out of us because it’s very much the story of us.”

The new release follows the 2023 reissue of their debut album Everything’s Eventual, which introduced Appleton to a younger audience and quietly set the stage for their return.

The duo first found success with Fantasy, which climbed to Number 2 in the UK charts, followed by Don’t Worry, which also secured a Top 5 position.

Nicole says they are entering this chapter with a fresh perspective, shaped by how dramatically the music industry has changed since their early days.

“We’re going into this with no expectations and enjoying the process of writing and performing again for the love of it,” she said.

Appleton are set to perform live again next month, appearing on BBC Radio 2’s Piano Room with the BBC Concert Orchestra on February 19. They will also play a full band set at Mighty Hoopla in May, where they have teased a few surprise covers alongside their best known songs.

This return marks the sisters’ first time performing together in over two decades, and their first shared live appearance since touring with All Saints nearly five years ago.

With All Saints, Nicole and Natalie achieved five UK Number 1 singles, won two BRIT Awards and sold more than 12 million records worldwide. Nicole revealed that the idea to reunite came from their children, who urged them to start making music together again.

“As soon as the idea was out there, we both realised how much fun it could be,” she said.