Forget the X Factor, try some Steps Factor: Nineties pop group claims number one album spot ten years after they split

By Marcus Barnes

Last updated at 1:29 PM on 17th October 2011

It's been ten years since they split up, but somehow Steps have managed to claim the top position in the album charts this weekend.

The nineties pop group shot straight to the Number One spot with their newly-released greatest hits compilation called The Ultimate Collection.

It was the third chart-topping album for the group which is comprised Lee Latchford-Evans, Claire Richards, Lisa Scott-Lee, Faye Tozer, and Ian "H" Watkins.

Scroll down for trailer of their reality show

Taking big Steps back to the top: Lisa Scott-Lee, Ian 'H' Watkins, Faye Tozer, Lee Latchford-Evans and Calire Richards have hit the number one spot 10 years after they split

Ten years on: The group are pictured her backstage at the Smash Hits Poll Winners party weeks before their split in 2001

And all five members of the group hit social networking site Twitter to enthuse about their hit album and remind fans they are to return to the stage for a nationwide tour.

Claire Richards and H in particular full of beans at their return to the top of the charts, ten years after the group went their separate ways.

After hitting the top spot Claire, 34, wrote: 'Well what can I say? Steps fans are officially the best fans anyone has ever had!

Repeating their success: Steps had two number one albums during their five-year career in the late nineties and now they have a third in The Ultimate Collection

'Who on earth would have thought 10 yrs on we would be No 1 again...? You are amazing and we appreciate what you've done for us so so much!! Bring on the Tour Steppers. We're gonna Pop it!!!! Xx'

And, just an hour ago, she awoke and again reiterated her joy at the Steps album doing so well.

She wrote: 'Morning all! I had the most amazing dream last night,Steps were No1 in the album charts and we had a tour on sale! Oh wait, it wasn't a dream!'

Back for more: The group are appearing their own TV show and will be back on tour next year

Fellow bandmate Ian 'H' Watkins echoed Claire's sentiments, posting: '
THANKU TEAM STEPS ! We would not be celebrating without your love and support ! This No.1 is YOUR NO.1! And the tour is YOUR Tour! X X X X X'

He later posted: 'MORNING !!!! Awake early as I'm sooooo excited about being NO.1 !!!!! OMG !!!! xx'

Faye Tozer, 35, also spoke of her happiness at becoming number one. She wrote: H'Overwhelmed : ) Can't thank everybody enough for such an amazing day! It's unbelievable! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! Xx'

Dreams can come true: Lisa Scott-Lee tweeted her joy and thanked fans for their support

Lee Latchord-Evans and Lisa Scott-Lee, who was en route to Dubai when the charts were announced, also used Twitter to express their surprise and to thank their fans.

Lisa, 35, wrote: 'To our amazing fans, wow #Steps are No.1, what can I say? So overwhelmed, happy, grateful & thankful. Words are not enough :-) Love ya all x'

Later adding: 'Thanks for all your tweets, 3 hours ahead here so I'm going to sign off. 'Thank you' from the bottom of my heart, it's a dream come true! xx'

Triple whammy: Ian 'H' Watkins can't believe his current luck

While Lee also posted: 'Huge thanks to everyone that helped @OfficialSteps get to No1 today. Can't believe the support. Looking forward to seeing u all on tour xLx'

The group are enjoying a resurgence in support and publicity thanks to their new show on Sky Living, simply called Steps: The Reunion.

The show follows the fortunes of the pop stars as they reform and, of course, aim to emulate the success they had in the nineties.

Steps first achieved a number one with their album Steptacular in 1999, followed by a second chart-topping album in 2001 with their Gold: Greatest Hits compilation.

They will now embark on the Steps: The Ultimate Tour next year, starting in Belfast on April and finishing up in London's O2 arena on April 20.