Frank (group)

Lore & Background

Frank was created for the Channel 4 comedy drama series Totally Frank, in which the four members played fictional characters: Lauren Blake as Tasha, Bryony Afferson as Charlie, Helena Dowling as Flo, and Hayley Angel Wardle as Neve. Outside the show, the band used their real names. Their debut single 'I'm Not Shy' was released on 31 July 2006 and reached number 40 in the UK Singles Chart. Their debut album Devil's Got Your Gold followed on 7 August 2006, featuring tracks from the television series as well as new songs. The band supported Girls Aloud on their 2006 Chemistry Tour of England and Scotland. They appeared on the Saturday morning children's show Holly & Stephen's Saturday Showdown on 1 July 2006, performing 'I'm Not Shy' — though the last act of that episode was actually the cast of 'Billy Elliot'. On 11 September 2006, the band announced that their record label had dropped them and that they had parted ways.

Reader's Guide

Frank occupies a brief but notable place in mid-2000s British pop culture as a band created for a television series. Their single 'I'm Not Shy' reached number 40 on the UK Singles Chart, and their album Devil's Got Your Gold collected songs from the show alongside new material. The group's appearance on Holly & Stephen's Saturday Showdown marked the end of an era for Saturday morning children's television. Their support slot on Girls Aloud's Chemistry Tour gave them exposure to large audiences. Despite the short lifespan, the members continued in entertainment: Lauren and Hayley pursued acting, Helena worked in music videos and dance, and Bryony performed solo gigs before returning to acting. Frank remains a footnote in the history of TV-generated pop acts.

Did You Know?

• They performed on Holly & Stephen's Saturday Showdown on 1 July 2006, but the last act of that episode was the cast of 'Billy Elliot'.
• Their song 'I'm Not Shy' was featured in a comedy sketch on BBC Three's TittyBangBang.