Posting on his Instagram account, Fretwell wrote: “After not releasing any music for thirteen years, it is a pleasure to say… Here is my new single ‘Oval’. It is taken from my album, set to be released later this summer. Hope you like it! Lots of love to you and yours, Stephen x” 

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A post shared by Stephen Fretwell (@stephenfretwellmusic)

Fans were teased with the possibility of new music when the singer changed his profile picture on Facebook on 26th February. His record label Speedy Wunderground also tweeted his photograph on this day, cryptically posting “MONDAY”. They also tweeted #FoundFretwell, a reference to #findfretwell, a fan hashtag noting the singer’s long-time absence. 

Fans were understandably thrilled at the news.  

thedoebear posted: “Beautiful stuff @stephenfretwellmusic looking forward to hearing more and glad you’re well.” 

Jaytoph wrote: “Absolutely brilliant news! Great to hear new music from you Stephen! You have been sorely missed.” 

Nickwoodmusic added: “Great track, and such a joy to hear some new music after such a long time. At the risk I of being greedy, will there be a tour?” 

Speaking on the subject of the song, Fretwell said: “I think it is a song about marriage, the actuality of it, the responsibility of it, and the gamble. When my girlfriend was pregnant with our first son, we moved to a flat near the Oval in London. As our marriage fell apart a few years ago, it was this simple song that was the only thing I had to stick in the ground and push on with making some new music.” 

Stephen released his first album in 2002, a mini-album named 8 Songs. He then went on to release Magpie in 2004 and Man on the Roof in 2007, which was nominated for the Ivor Novello Award for Best Album. He has supported the likes of Oasis, KT Tunstall, Elbow and Travis on tour. He is also well-known for providing the theme song for BBC comedy Gavin and Stacey, in the form of single Run.