Two years after splitting, Swedish dance sensation Alcazar looks set to reform with Andreas, Tess and new face Lina. The line-up changes once again as the group plans new releases and a tour.

The group has undergone various transformations since its inception in 1998, when Andrea Lundstedt, Tess Merkel and Annikafiore set the ball rolling with a series of hits in and beyond Sweden. Former Barbados frontman Magnus Carlsson joined the fold in 2002 and three became four, spawning a successful run of tracks before the group split in 2005. July saw the first hint of a resurrection for Alcazar, when Tess and Andreas were joined by Lina Hedlund, performing together as Alcazar in the London nightclub G-A-Y.

Starting from scratch
The group must now decide on a brand new direction without former members Annikafiore and Carlsson. The latest Alcastar Lina explains "we're starting from scratch. I'm coming into this with fresh eyes and new energy". For now, two new tracks have been written by the Pet Shop Boys for the outfit, but the group is open to offers for new material. Manager Henrik Johnsson states "lots of people are interested, and we've had some inquiries from abroad".

Alcazar, well known on the European dance circuit for hits like This Is The World We Live In, took part in Sweden's Melodifestivalen with Alcastar (2005) and Not a Sinner, Nor a Saint (2003). Despite coming close to the top spot, they never actually made it to the Eurovision Song Contest final, despite the songs becoming firm fan favourites.

Lina, like Alcazar, has already participated in Sweden's Melodifestivalen: in 2002 she performed Big Time Party with Hanna Hedlund, coming ninth, and in 2003 she sang Nothing Can Stop Me in the fourth heat, winning a second chance to reach the final, but failing at the last hurdle.

Now back on the Schlager scene and ready to go, the return of Alcazar to Melodifestivalen may be a distinct possibility for the 2008 season.