Emma Willis, Holly Willoughby and Keeley Hawes were among the celebrities who smiled for Shout magazine before they hit the big time. Some, like Leonardo DiCaprio, were already gaining popularity for their earliest roles when they gave an interview to the magazine. Shout launched in 1993 and was a mix of features, news, real-life stories, celebrity gossip, fashion, horoscopes, problems and relationships.
The decade was a great time to be a teenage heartthrob. This was the era of Boyzone, East 17, Peter Andre and Take That. A decade when Home and Away and Neighbours were essential after-school viewing.
Shout was created, printed and published by DC Thomson in Dundee. Its prime age range was 11 to 14-year-olds, but its core readership was younger. Jackie Brown was the first editor.
Shout was aimed to fill the gap left when ceased publication. It was launched as a fortnightly magazine, priced 75p, with the first issue offering lipstick as a gift and a giant poster of Scott Michaelson. He was the surfer Brad Willis in Neighbours.
There were also features on Baywatch, East 17, Home and Away and Take That alongside the chance to win £3,000 of “Beverly Hills 90210 goodies”. Shout went on a date with Hollywood actor Keanu Reeves. He was described as “scruffy, a bit goofy and isn’t too fond of showers”.
Inside, a Topshop fashion spread marked the first time it had added size 8s to its range. There were reader makeovers and posters, features on bullying, body issues and frie.
