Sophie Ellis-Bextor: Tour 2026, New Album & Podcast News
In 2024, the world watched as Murder on the Dancefloor surged past 11 billion streams, fueled by a glitter-drenched finale in the film Saltburn. But if you think Sophie Ellis-Bextor is resting on the laurels of a viral moment, you haven’t been paying attention. As we move through 2026, the pop icon is not just looking back; she is headlining global arenas, promoting her highest-charting album in a decade, and interviewing the UK’s most powerful political figures.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor has entered what she calls her “Sod-it era”, a time of liberated creativity that sees her balancing life as a mother of five with a career that feels bigger now than it did in the early 2000s. Whether you are hunting for tickets to her Sophie Ellis-Bextor tour 2026 dates or want the lowdown on her eighth studio album, Perimenopop, this guide covers everything happening in the world of the Queen of Kitchen Disco.
The 2026 Perimenopop World Tour: Dates and Locations
Sophie’s live shows have evolved from intimate lockdown streams to massive, high-energy spectacles. Following the success of her 2025 European run, the 2026 tour schedule takes her to the Southern Hemisphere before returning for a highly anticipated UK summer season.
Australia & New Zealand (February 2026)
For fans Down Under, the wait is over. Sophie kicks off her 2026 run in New Zealand before hitting major Australian cities. These shows promise a blend of Perimenopop tracks and the disco classics that built her name.
According to verified listings from Ticketek/Forum Melbourne, here is the confirmed schedule for early 2026:
| City | Venue | Date |
| Christchurch, NZ | Town Hall | 04 February 2026 |
| Melbourne, AU | Forum Melbourne | 06 February 2026 |
| Sydney, AU | Roundhouse | 07 February 2026 |
| Brisbane, AU | The Fortitude Music Hall | 08 February 2026 |
UK Summer Festivals (May–August 2026)
Back on home soil, Sophie is set to dominate the festival circuit. She has been confirmed as a headline act for several major outdoor events. Notably, she will perform at the Neighborhood Weekender in Warrington this May, followed by a special open-air show at the Glasgow Kelvingrove Bandstand in August.
Expect special guests at these UK dates. Early reports suggest she will be joined by fellow British pop heavyweights like Kate Nash, creating a lineup that celebrates the best of UK indie-pop.
Pro Tip for Fans: Tickets for the Glasgow Kelvingrove dates sold out within 48 hours during her last tour cycle. If you are planning to attend the UK summer dates, sign up for presale alerts via her Official Website immediately.
Looking for full UK venue-wise ticket details?
We’ve created a dedicated guide covering all confirmed UK dates, venues, and ticket platforms for Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s 2026 tour.
👉 See the complete Sophie Ellis-Bextor UK Tour 2026 dates & tickets guide.
Inside the ‘Perimenopop’ Era: Sophie’s 8th Studio Album
Released in September 2025 via Decca Records, Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s latest album, Perimenopop, is a bold declaration of intent. It peaked at Number 5 on the Official UK Albums Chart, marking her first Top 5 entry since 2014.
A Return to Synth-Pop Bravado
While her 2023 album Hana explored organic, atmospheric sounds inspired by Japan, Perimenopop is a return to the dancefloor. Critics have praised it as a spiritual successor to her debut Read My Lips, but with a sharper, more mature lyrical edge.
The lead single, “Freedom Of The Night,” captures this perfectly, driving synth-pop beats layered with lyrics about reclaiming identity in midlife. It is not just nostalgia; it is a modern disco-pop record that stands alongside current hits from Dua Lipa or Kylie Minogue.
Star-Studded Collaborations
Sophie didn’t work alone on this project. The album credits read like a Who’s Who of pop royalty:
- Nile Rodgers: The Chic legend brings his signature funk guitar to the track “Relentless Love.”
- Sigrid: The Norwegian pop star features on a duet that bridges the gap between Gen Z listeners and original Sophie fans.
- Selena Gomez: In a surprise move, Gomez contributed writing credits to the album’s ballad, “Midnight Oil.”
The critical consensus? Sophie has successfully navigated the “legacy artist” trap. She isn’t just playing old hits; she is making music that demands to be heard now.
Spinning Plates Podcast: From Motherhood to 10 Downing Street
If you only know Sophie for her music, you are missing a massive part of her current influence. Her podcast, Spinning Plates, began as a series of conversations about working motherhood. By 2026, it has evolved into a significant cultural platform.
The Rachel Reeves Interview (Episode 171)
In January 2026, Sophie released a landmark episode featuring Rachel Reeves, the first female Chancellor of the Exchequer in UK history.
This wasn’t a fluff piece. The conversation moved away from standard political talking points to address the gritty reality of balancing high-office power with family life. Listeners heard a different side of British politics, one that felt human and relatable.
According to data from Global Player/Acast, this episode became one of the most-downloaded in the series’ history, proving that Sophie’s audience is as interested in social commentary as they are in disco balls.
Why It Resonates
The magic of Spinning Plates lies in Sophie’s disarming interview style. She approaches guests not as a journalist, but as a peer who understands the chaos of “having it all.” Whether she is talking to a pop star or a politician, the core theme remains: how do we keep the plates spinning without them crashing down?
The Saltburn Legacy and “Murder on the Dancefloor”
We cannot talk about Sophie Ellis-Bextor in 2026 without acknowledging the Saltburn effect. Emerald Fennell’s film did more than just use a song; it created a cultural moment.
When the final scene of Saltburn featured Barry Keoghan dancing naked to “Murder on the Dancefloor”, the track exploded.
- Streams: Surpassed 11 billion global streams in 2024 (Source: Official Charts Company).
- Chart Return: The song re-entered the UK Singles Chart at Number 2 in January 2024, twenty-three years after its initial release.
This viral resurgence introduced Sophie to a Gen Z audience who had never owned a CD. Suddenly, TikTok was flooded with users recreating the dance (clothed, mostly), and Sophie found herself performing at the BAFTAs.
Crucially, she used this momentum to launch Perimenopop. Instead of letting the hype fade, she pivoted the attention toward her new material, executing a masterclass in career longevity.
Personal Life: The Jones-Bextor Household
Behind the sequins and the tour buses lies the chaotic, joyful reality of the Jones-Bextor household. Sophie has been married to Richard Jones, the bassist for the band The Feeling, since 2005.
The Kitchen Disco Team
Richard isn’t just her husband; he is her musical partner. During the lockdowns, he played bass in her now-legendary Kitchen Discos, often wearing a variety of animal masks while their children ran amok in the background. This dynamic led to their co-authored cookbook, Love Food Family, which remains a bestseller for families looking for unfussy, comfort-food recipes.
Mother of Five
Sophie and Richard have five sons: Sonny, Kit, Ray, Jesse, and Mickey. Managing a household of seven while touring internationally is a frequent topic on her podcast. She often speaks candidly about the “mental load” of parenting, forgetting school forms, dealing with teenage moods, and the noise levels in a house full of boys.
Her openness about the messy side of parenting endears her to fans. She isn’t presenting a curated, perfect Instagram life; she’s showing the reality of the school run after a night on stage at Wembley.
FAQs
Is Sophie Ellis-Bextor touring the UK in 2026?
Yes. After her Australian leg in February, she returns to the UK for a series of summer festival dates, including headline slots at Warrington and Glasgow.
Who is Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s husband?
Sophie is married to Richard Jones, the bassist for the British rock band The Feeling. They married in 2005.
What is Sophie’s latest album called?
Her latest album is titled Perimenopop. It was released in September 2025.
How many children does Sophie Ellis-Bextor have?
She has five sons. Their names are Sonny, Kit, Ray, Jesse, and Mickey.
Why did Murder on the Dancefloor become popular again?
The song went viral globally after being featured in the closing scene of the 2023 film Saltburn.
Is Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s mother still on Blue Peter?
No, her mother is Janet Ellis, who was a famous Blue Peter presenter in the 1980s. She left the show decades ago but remains a well-known British broadcaster.
What is the ‘Perimenopop’ album about?
The album deals with themes of midlife, confidence, and “pop-timism.” Sophie describes it as celebrating the freedom that comes with age, rather than fearing it.
Summary
Sophie Ellis-Bextor has defied the typical “pop shelf-life.” She hasn’t just survived the industry; she has reshaped it to fit her life. From the indie days of theaudience to the chart-topping success of Perimenopop, she remains a vital force in British music.
In 2026, she is more than a nostalgia act. She is a podcaster influencing political discourse, a mother navigating a large family, and a performer who can still sell out arenas from Melbourne to Manchester. The “Sod-it era” suits her perfectly.
Next Step: Tickets for the Australia and New Zealand leg of the tour are selling fast. Check the official [External Link: Ticketek] website or your local venue listings to secure your spot before they sell out.
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