For a moment there at the turn of the century, Britain held all the power when it came to girl bands. Girl power took over the airwaves, even making its way across the pond on occasion. South Korea is definitely dominating the production of girl groups through K-pop nowadays but let it be known that the OGs came from the UK.

To aid you in reminiscing about those formative days of girl bands, and to show you what the landscape looks like now, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best girl groups to come out of the UK. Register your interest with Seat Unique and you never know – a reunion of your favourite girl group might be closer than you think.

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No. 7: All Saints

Who remembers All Saints? They were popular in the 1990s, providing a cool, laid-back alternative to the permanently positive Spice Girls. Songs 'Pure Shores’ and ‘Never Ever’ soared to number one on the charts, making their debut album All Saints the UK's third-best-selling girl group album of all time. 

However, like all good girl groups, they were plagued with rumours of infighting and lineup changes (not unlike Sugababes, who were formed by the same producer). According to member Shaznay, the group broke up due to an argument over who would wear a jacket for a photoshoot. Iconic.

No. 6: The Saturdays

All they had were neon tights, Frankie’s pixie cut, and a dream. The Saturdays burst onto the scene in 2007, touring with Girls Aloud despite constant comparisons being made and producers even trying to get them to record their rejects. The group did manage to forge their own image though, through neon-coloured business casual fashion, and Frankie’s edgy haircut that still hangs on the wall of hairdressers across Britain.

Notable singles include ‘Up,’ ‘Higher,’ and ‘What About Us,’ providing the country with sassy, fun dance-pop. It’s no wonder they never made it across the pond as promotions were so British it hurts, including being the faces of Impulse body spray and hair removal product Veet.

No. 5: FLO

FLO is the UK’s modern-day girl band offering – they dance, they sing, and they have an R&B, hip-hop groove that will throw you right back to the 90s. Unlike many of the other girl bands on this list, FLO immediately had success in America thanks to the powers of social media, when their debut single ‘Cardboard Box’ received traction online and garnered praise from SZA and Victoria Monét. 

There’s a lot more competition for FLO than there was for older girl bands with the rise of K-pop meaning that the world’s girl and boy group needs are mostly catered for. However, fans enjoy their classic old-school R&B sound reminiscent of TLC or Destiny’s Child.

No. 4: Girls Aloud

Helmed by the people’s princess Cheryl, Girls Aloud have had too many top 10 singles to name. They were praised for songs like ‘Sound of the Underground’ creating a new kind of pop music, and were even compared to the likes of ABBA and Michael Jackson. You can be the judge of whether that was an exaggeration or not.

Unfortunately, in 2021 member Sarah passed away from breast cancer at the age of 39. However this loss prompted the return of the group, who reunited for a 2024 tour that became the biggest UK arena tour of the year. Let’s hope it wasn’t a one-off so we can hear cultural touchstones like ‘Love Machine’ and ‘The Promise’ live once again.

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No. 3: Sugababes

Despite lineup changes that eventually ousted all original members of the group, Sugababes remain an iconic fixture of 2000s radio with hits ‘Round Round,’ ‘Push The Button’ and ‘About You Now.’ They were the edgier, more R&B-influenced alternative to Girls Aloud or The Saturdays, and similarly suffered the wrath of British tabloids with infighting rumours.

Sugababes are one of the groups that have managed to successfully reunite, with all three original members coming together for a 2025 UK tour and a new album. Hopefully the unique, R&B-pop style they captivated the country with in 2000 will be back again soon.

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No. 2: Little Mix

Another TV-made group, Little Mix were formed on The X Factor, winning the show in 2012. You could call this time the world’s second wave of girl group mania, when Fifth Harmony and K-pop groups were also fighting for the top chart positions. Little Mix definitely stood out on top, from debut single ‘Wings’ to career highs ‘Black Magic’ and ‘Shout Out To My Ex.’

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No. 1: Spice Girls

The Spice Girls are the best UK girl group because they revolutionized pop music with their catchy songs, bold personalities, and empowering messages. Their unique blend of talent and individuality set them apart, with each member embodying a distinct persona that resonated with fans. 

Hits like ‘Wannabe’ and ‘Spice Up Your Life’ became anthems of the '90s, fostering a sense of girl power that influenced generations. Their infectious energy, combined with their global success, made them cultural icons. The Spice Girls’ legacy continues to inspire new artists, proving their timeless impact on music and pop culture.

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