Boyfriends & Birthdays facts for kids

Boyfriends & Birthdays is a special TV show starring the British pop group S Club 7. It first aired on December 12, 1999, and was made for CBBC. In this story, the band is on a long road trip from Miami to Los Angeles. During their journey, Rachel faces a tough choice. Her boyfriend back in England gives her an ultimatum: come home or their relationship is over. Rachel must decide if she will stay with S Club 7 or leave the group to be with him.

The Story of Boyfriends & Birthdays

Rachel really misses her boyfriend. She calls him from a telephone booth. He tells her their relationship will end if she doesn't return to England. Rachel feels very confused about what to do.

The other members of S Club 7 decide to help Rachel. They try to earn money so she can go home. They do this by busking, which means performing music in public for tips. They manage to collect enough money for her trip. Rachel then leaves S Club 7 and heads to England.

However, Rachel changes her mind. She decides to stay with the group instead. She returns, feeling sad, especially when her boyfriend breaks up with her over the phone.

Meanwhile, the band is staying at Paradise Beach, a trailer park. A poor family has been stuck there for three years. They hope to get their car fixed. Jo initially finds the car too broken to repair. But once Rachel gets her unused travel money back, Jo uses it to fix the car.

The oldest child in the family, Jimmy Bob, is excited. His dad is supposed to visit him soon for his birthday. But then he learns his dad can't come after all. Jimmy Bob gets upset and runs away. The band members split up to look for him. Rachel eventually finds him alone on the beach. She tells him that sometimes people can't be there, but it doesn't mean they don't care.

Later, a surprise birthday party is held for Jimmy Bob at the trailer park. Jo reveals the fully repaired car to the family. This means Jimmy Bob can now visit his father for his birthday!

Before the band continues their journey to Los Angeles, Jo has one more surprise for Rachel. A friendly mechanic, who helped Jo get car parts, stops by. He's there to install the stoplights. Rachel is immediately interested in him. They talk for a while. Rachel is able to move on from her ex-boyfriend after kissing the mechanic. She promises she will never forget him.

Meet the Cast

S Club 7 Members

• Hannah Spearritt
• Bradley McIntosh
• Rachel Stevens
• Paul Cattermole
• Tina Barrett
• Jon Lee
• Jo O'Meara

Special Guest Stars

• Jay Kenneth Johnson as Ethan
• Tanner Perkins as Jimmy Bob

Fun Facts

• This is the first of two special S Club 7 shows where Rachel almost leaves the group because of a romantic relationship.