Better the devil you know at hit factory reunion

Time to perm the hair again. Or to hide the bald patch.

Stars from the glory days of Pete Waterman’s “hit factory” are to come together for an outdoor spectacular featuring the likes of Rick Astley, Steps and Jason Donovan.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to head to the show at London’s Hyde Park on Jul 11 to celebrate the acts who once rode high in the charts in the 1980s and sold 250m singles between them.

Also performing are Bananarama, Pepsi & Shirlie, Sinitta and Hazell Dean, with a proportion of ticket proceeds going to Cancer Research UK.

Along with his production team of Mike Stock and Matt Aitken, Waterman and his PWL record label were responsible for launching dozens of careers, and their bouncy pop tracks were almost instantly recognisable.

Steps post-date the Stock Aitken and Waterman era but were signed to Waterman’s label PWL and mined the same sound.

The group that scored the first SAW number one single, Dead Or Alive, will also perform, along with other acts such as Sonia, 2 Unlimited and Brother Beyond.

It is said to be the first time so many acts from the hit stable have come together on the same bill.

Waterman said: “I’ve been saying no for years to a hit factory concert but now, 25 years on, the timing feels right.

“It’s time to celebrate the hit single and we have a tremendous line-up of our classic artists confirmed to play Hit Factory Live in Hyde Park on Jul 11.

“More surprises will be announced over the coming months — it’s set to be the biggest and best ever celebration of SAW and PWL.”

This year marks the 25th anniversary of PWL, which was Kylie Minogue’s recording home in the early days of her career.

Rumours suggest SAW are in negotiation with the Australian singer to join the bill. The show’s promoters have mentioned “a very special duet”, prompting speculation that Minogue will be reunited on stage with her ex-boyfriend Jason Donovan. Tickets go on sale on Friday.