Glastonbury performers share update after lead singer falls ill before show

English Teacher will be making their anticipated return to Glastonbury this weekend but they’ve faced a massive obstacle behind-the-scenes. 

The British band, which consists of Lewis Whiting, Douglas Frost and Nicholas Eden, have been forced to rehearse without their lead singer Lily Fontaine, who has been struck down with an illness in the days leading up to their set. 

Fans will be flocking to the Park Stage on Friday afternoon to witness the Mercury Prize-winners in action and hope to see each member of the four-piece perform. 

Fortunately, despite Lily’s illness meaning their slot was at risk, the other members of English Teacher have shared a positive update. 

Speaking to Metro’s entertainment reporter Danni Scott on the ground at Worthy Farm, Douglas said: ‘She’s feeling better today but there’s f*****g illnesses getting around.’ 

Nick encouraged: ‘Hang in there, Lil,’ while Lewis explained how her absence has impacted rehearsals. 

‘We got quite lucky in that regards because we did a couple of rehearsals and got ourselves prepped,’ he shared. 

It’s been quite a whirlwind year for Leeds-native English Teacher, who became the first non-Londoners to scoop the coveted Mercury Prize in over a decade in 2024, while also receiving a Brit Award nomination. 

Naturally, becoming one of the hottest new alternative bands has its perks, but it’s also been a massive life adjustment for the band. 

Lewis explained: ‘It’s upended a lot, it kind of reorganises your life, which is what you always want, but at the same time, it changes the way you might move through friendships, relationships – romantic or not – it all changes. 

‘Your whole life becomes touring, writing, which is what you want but then when you get it, it’s like damn, this is kind of crazy.’ 

Douglas then quipped, but with full transparency: ‘Have a good therapist. I owe a lot to my therapist.’ 

Once their Friday set is cemented in the history books, you can bet English Teacher will be joining other Glasto revellers taking in all the other artists across the various stages. And just like the rest of us mere mortals, they also face predicaments when it comes to those pesky stage clashes. 

As well as Kneecap and Westside Cowboys, the band are also looking forward to catching Doechii and Charli XCX’s Saturday night closing performances. However, as most of us have realised by now, that’s a big conundrum as the two musicians are scheduled to perform at the same time, with Charli headlining the Other Stage and Doechii on West Holts. 

How will English Teacher decide? They toyed with the idea of flipping a coin until realising that Douglas also wants to watch Scissor Sisters, who are also playing Saturday night. 

Shall we all just gather around BBC iPlayer and flip between the stages? 

Until then, fans can look forward to catching English Teacher’s Park Stage set on Friday at 4:55pm. 

Glastonbury coverage is broadcast on BBC1, BBC Radio and BBC iPlayer.

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