Culture

Yes, Cher has just duetted with Barry from Eastenders

By Sam Damshenas

16th July 2024

Cher has collaborated with Shaun Williamson – yes, the Shaun Williamson! – for a rendition of her classic hit ‘I Got You Babe’.

The collab, which has correctly been hailed as the “collab of the century” (by me), can be seen in the bonkers new advert for UKTV’s rebrand of their streaming service, now simply titled ‘U’.

The ad starts with two executives discussing the “entertainment launch of the year” with Cher, before propositioning the pop icon: “And we want you to help us share the news!”

“Stop, I can see it now,” she responds, before a montage shows the LGBTQIA+ icon performing ‘I Got You Babe’ in a plethora of unlikely situations, such as the top of a mountain with Orlando Bloom and with the cast of Sister Boniface Mysteries. 

Then, she duets with Williamson – who memorably portrayed Barry Evans on Eastenders – in the Queen Vic as (archival footage of) Kat Slater and Pat Butcher watch on in awe.

Scott Russell, UKTV’s creative director, said the streaming service “wanted to create an ambitious advert to launch U to highlight the variety of quality programming and to stand out in a hugely competitive landscape.

“It had to be joyful, have content at its heart, and to tell the story of whatever you love, we’ve got U. What’s more, it needed to be memorable and have a surprise factor that was not only authentic but connected with current and new viewers.”

He continued: “Who better to do this than mega superstar, Cher, performing a brand new version of her iconic song, I’ve Got You Babe, whilst meeting some new and familiar friends on the way?”

Cher’s collab with Williamson – the future recipient of the Grammy Award for Record of the Year – has, unsurprisingly, gone viral on Gay Twitter.

“Seeing @cher duetting with Barry from Eastenders was not on my Gay Bingo card today,” one X/Twitter said, while another wrote: “Cher and Barry from EastEnders, together at last.” 

See the best reactions below.