Rita Maria Stroud (''

née A birth name is the name of a person given upon birth. The term may be applied to the surname, the given name, or the entire name. Where births are required to be officially registered, the entire name entered onto a birth certificate or birth re ...

'' Crudgington; born 8 March 1954), known professionally as Cheryl Baker, is an English singer and television presenter. She was a member of 1980s pop group Bucks Fizz, who won the 1981 Eurovision Song Contest and now performs under

The Fizz The Fizz are a British pop music group formed in 2004 as a spin-off from the original group, Bucks Fizz. The core of the group consists of Cheryl Baker, Mike Nolan and Jay Aston, who are all former members of Bucks Fizz and performed as OBF ( ...

. The group had 20 singles reach the UK top 60 between 1981 and 1988, including three number one hits with "

Making Your Mind Up "Making Your Mind Up" is a song by the British pop group Bucks Fizz. It was the winner of the 1981 Eurovision Song Contest, representing the , and was composed by Andy Hill and John Danter. Released in March 1981, it was Bucks Fizz's debut sing ...

" (1981), " The Land of Make Believe" (1981) and "

My Camera Never Lies "My Camera Never Lies" is a 1982 single by pop group Bucks Fizz. It became the group's second consecutive (and third overall) UK number-one in April 1982. The song was written by Andy Hill and Nichola Martin, and was featured on Bucks Fizz's sec ...

" (1982). Baker left the group in 1993. She had previously represented the UK at the 1978 Eurovision Song Contest as a member of the band Co-Co. In 2004, she began performing alongside

Shelley Preston Shelley Preston (born 14 May 1964) is a singer who is famous for being a former member of the pop group Bucks Fizz, when she replaced Jay Aston in June 1985. Her biggest hit as a member of the band was the 1986 track " New Beginning", which re ...

and fellow original Bucks Fizz member

Mike Nolan Michael Tullis Nolan (born March 7, 1959) is a former American football coach. Nolan previously served as a head coach for the San Francisco 49ers, and a defensive coordinator for the NFL's Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets, Washington Redskins ...

The Original Bucks Fizz The Fizz are a British pop music group formed in 2004 as a spin-off from the original group, Bucks Fizz. The core of the group consists of Cheryl Baker, Mike Nolan and Jay Aston, who are all former members of Bucks Fizz and performed as OBF ( ...

. Preston was replaced by original Bucks Fizz member

Jay Aston Jay Hilda Aston (born 4 May 1961 in Purley, Surrey) is a British singer and occasional songwriter. She was a member of the British pop group Bucks Fizz from 1981 to 1985 and now under The Fizz. She was the youngest member of the group's ori ...

in 2009. Due to a legal dispute in 2011, the group renamed themselves Cheryl Baker, Mike Nolan and Jay Aston, formerly of Bucks Fizz. In 2017 they re-branded themselves as "The Fizz" and are working on new material.

Early career

Cheryl Baker was born as Rita Maria Crudgington on 8 March 1954 in

Bethnal Green Bethnal Green is an area in the East End of London northeast of Charing Cross. The area emerged from the small settlement which developed around the Green, much of which survives today as Bethnal Green Gardens, beside Cambridge Heath Road. By ...

, London. After leaving school and a series of secretarial jobs in the shipping industry, she began her professional singing career with the band Co-Co. The group entered ''

A Song for Europe A, or a, is the first Letter (alphabet), letter and the first vowel of the Latin alphabet, Latin alphabet, used in the English alphabet, modern English alphabet, the alphabets of other western European languages and others worldwide. Its name ...

'' in 1976 with the song "Wake Up". They came second, being beaten by (eventual Eurovision winners)

Brotherhood of Man Brotherhood of Man are a British pop group who achieved success in the 1970s. They won the 1976 Eurovision Song Contest with " Save Your Kisses for Me". Created in 1969 by songwriter and record producer Tony Hiller, Brotherhood of Man was initi ...

by two points. The group continued to perform together and in 1978, they entered ''A Song for Europe'' again with "

The Bad Old Days "Bad Old Days" was the entry in the Eurovision Song Contest 1978, performed in English by Co-Co. The song, written by Stephanie de Sykes and Stuart Slater was an uptempo love song, with the narrator recalling the 'bad old days' before they me ...

". This time they won and went on to perform for the UK in Paris. The song managed 11th place – the lowest placing by a UK entry up to that point. The song became a hit single, reaching 13 in the

UK Singles Chart The UK Singles Chart (currently titled Official Singles Chart, with the upper section more commonly known as the Official UK Top 40) is compiled by the Official Charts Company (OCC), on behalf of the British record industry, listing the top-s ...

. On the back of this, the group released their first (and only) album as well as further singles. None of these found any success. In 1980, the group tried for Eurovision one more time. Now under a new name, The Main Event, their song "Gonna Do My Best" came last in ''A Song for Europe'' and soon afterwards, the group disbanded.

Bucks Fizz

A few months later, Baker was contacted by Nichola Martin, who was setting up a new group under the name Bucks Fizz, with a view to entering a song "

" into the ''Song For Europe'' in 1981. Joined by

, Bobby G and

, Baker performed the song at the contest and won. On 4 April 1981, Baker represented the UK again at the ''Eurovision Song Contest''. The song went on to win by a margin of four points and Bucks Fizz were catapulted into overnight stardom. By winning the contest, Baker became only the third singer to represent the UK twice, following in the footsteps of

Ronnie Carroll Ronnie Carroll (born Ronald Cleghorn; 18 August 1934 – 13 April 2015) was a Northern Irish singer, entertainer and political candidate. Career Carroll was born Ronald Cleghorn in 116 Roslyn Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 1934, the son o ...

and

Cliff Richard Sir Cliff Richard (born Harry Rodger Webb; 14 October 1940) is an Indian-born British musican, singer, producer, entrepreneur and philanthropist who holds both British and Barbadian citizenship. He has total sales of over 21.5 million s ...

. This feat, however, was matched once again the following year, by

Sally Ann Triplett Sally Ann Triplett (born 15 April 1962, London, England) is a British singer and actress. She participated in two editions of the Eurovision Song Contest and West End productions. Career Triplett first represented the United Kingdom in the E ...

. When Bucks Fizz went on to win the '' 1981 Eurovision Song Contest'' with the song "Making Your Mind Up", Baker thus became one of the few artists to take part in Eurovision to win at their second attempt. According to ''The Eurovision Song Contest – The Official History'' by John Kennedy O'Connor, Baker also made the second single biggest improvement by any Eurovision competitor in the contest, moving up from eleventh in 1978 to 1st in 1981. "Making Your Mind Up" became a No.1 hit in many countries, including the UK and began a run of success for the group for the next five years. Baker along with the group toured the world and gained many hit singles and albums, including two more British No.1s; " The Land of Make Believe" and "

". Bucks Fizz became established as one of the biggest groups of the 1980s. On 11 December 1984, Baker was involved in a serious crash in Newcastle upon Tyne, while on tour with the group, when the tour bus crashed into a lorry. She was injured and rushed to hospital. Although she broke three

vertebra The spinal column, a defining synapomorphy shared by nearly all vertebrates, Hagfish are believed to have secondarily lost their spinal column is a moderately flexible series of vertebrae (singular vertebra), each constituting a characteristi ...

e in her spine, she made a speedy recovery. Colleague Mike Nolan, however, suffered serious head injuries, prompting Baker to help establish the 'HeadFirst' charity which supports crash victims, specifically those with head injuries. Baker continues to raise money for the charity.

Television career

In the mid-1980s, while still with the group, Baker embarked on a career in television presenting. She joined '' Record Breakers'' as a co-host alongside the long-serving

Roy Castle Roy Castle (31 August 1932 – 2 September 1994) was an English dancer, singer, comedian, actor, television presenter and musician. In addition to being an accomplished jazz trumpet player, he could play many other instruments. Following a vers ...

in 1987, continuing alongside new hosts after Castle's death in 1994, finally leaving the show in 1997 after 10 years. She also co-presented ''The Saturday Picture Show'' with Mark Curry from 1985 to 1986. She continued her singing and television careers in tandem, although always maintained that singing was her first love. Bucks Fizz scored their final hit in 1988, and in the same year, Baker began presenting her own TV show '' Eggs 'n' Baker''. This went on to run for five years. During this time, she also released two solo singles " If Paradise Is Half as Nice" in 1987 and "Sensuality" in 1992, although neither of these found chart success. Still touring with the group, Baker finally quit Bucks Fizz in December 1993 to concentrate on raising a family. After leaving Bucks Fizz, Baker carried on presenting ''Record Breakers'' as well as other television work. In 1997 she became the subject of the TV Biography show '' This Is Your Life''. Into the 2000s, Baker made many guest appearances on television. She has also participated in a number of

reality television Reality television is a genre of television programming that documents purportedly unscripted real-life situations, often starring unfamiliar people rather than professional actors. Reality television emerged as a distinct genre in the early 19 ...

shows, such as ''Drop the Celebrity'' (which she won), ''24-Hour Quiz'' (which she also won) and ''

I'm Famous and Frightened! ''I'm Famous and Frightened!'' is a Living TV reality TV show in which eight celebrities stayed for three nights in a "haunted" castle. They had to then do terrifying challenges to raise money for charity; each one was evicted until only the wi ...

''. For the ''

Eurovision Song Contest 2005 The Eurovision Song Contest 2005 was the 50th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. It took place in Kyiv, Ukraine, following the country's victory at the with the song "Wild Dances" by Ruslana. Organised by the European Broadcasting Union (E ...

'', she read out the points from the United Kingdom. In the EBU's 50th anniversary celebration of the show ''

Congratulations Congratulations may refer to: Film and television *'' Congratulations: 50 Years of the Eurovision Song Contest'', 2005 television programme to commemorate its fiftieth anniversary Music Albums * ''Congratulations'' (album), an album by ...

'', she introduced the song " Waterloo" by

ABBA ABBA ( , , formerly named Björn & Benny, Agnetha & Anni-Frid or Björn & Benny, Agnetha & Frida) are a Swedish supergroup formed in Stockholm in 1972 by Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad. The group's ...

. Later on during the same programme, she sang Bucks Fizz's winning song "

" live with Mike Nolan and

. In 2006, Baker played the role of Vi Moore in the London production of ''

Footloose Footloose may refer to: * ''Footloose'' (1984 film), a musical film ** ''Footloose'' (1984 soundtrack) ** "Footloose" (song), performed by Kenny Loggins * ''Footloose'' (2011 film), a remake of the 1984 film ** ''Footloose'' (2011 soundtrack) ...

'', the musical based on the 1984 motion picture of the same name, at the

Novello Theatre The Novello Theatre is a West End theatre on Aldwych, in the City of Westminster. It was known as the Strand Theatre between 1913 and 2005. History The theatre was built as one of a pair with the Aldwych Theatre on either side of The Waldo ...

. In 2009 she directed a youth production of ''Footloose'' in

Sevenoaks Sevenoaks is a town in Kent with a population of 29,506 situated south-east of London, England. Also classified as a civil parish, Sevenoaks is served by a commuter main line railway into London. Sevenoaks is from Charing Cross, the traditio ...

, playing to sell out audiences. In 2007 she played the part of Ida in the musical ''

Honk! ''Honk!'' is a musical adaptation of the 1843 Hans Christian Andersen story ''The Ugly Duckling'', incorporating a message of tolerance. The book and lyrics are by Anthony Drewe and music is by George Stiles (of the British songwriting duo S ...

'' and in 2008 she was seen in the role of Mrs Mayor in a touring production of ''

Seussical the Musical ''Seussical'' is a musical comedy by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, based on the many children's stories of Dr. Seuss, with most of its plot being based on ''Horton Hears a Who!'', '' Gertrude McFuzz'', and ''Horton Hatches the Egg'' while i ...

''. The tour visited many towns in the South East of England. In June 2011, she reached the final of the ITV series ''

Popstar to Operastar ''Popstar to Operastar'' is a British television programme in which pop stars were trained to sing opera. The show began airing on ITV on 15 January 2010 at 9pm. The show was repeated on TV3 Ireland on Saturday evening. The programme was produce ...

'', where she was beaten into second place by

Joe McElderry Joseph McElderry (; born 16 June 1991) is an English singer and songwriter. He won the sixth series of the ITV show ''The X Factor'' in 2009. His first single " The Climb" reached number one on both the UK Singles Chart and the Irish Singl ...

. In 2011, Baker appeared in an episode of ''

All Star Family Fortunes ''Family Fortunes'' is a British television game show based on the American game show '' Family Feud''. The programme ran on ITV from 6 January 1980 to 30 December 2002. A celebrity version, ''All Star Family Fortunes'', followed from 2006 t ...

''. On 5 January 2013, Baker appeared on '' Celebrity Mastermind''. She also appeared on '' The National Lottery: Who Dares Wins'' on 23 May 2015 with

Dana Rosemary Scallon Dana Rosemary Scallon (born Rosemary Brown; 30 August 1951), known professionally as Dana, is an Irish singer and former politician who served as Member of the European Parliament from 1999 to 2004. While still a schoolgirl she won the 1970 ...

as her partner. On 31 October 2017, Baker was confirmed as the second celebrity to take part in the tenth series of '' Dancing on Ice''. She was eliminated on 4 February 2018.

Other work

Since 2004, Baker has been performing selected gigs with Nolan and Preston under the name

and alongside the other original members, Bobby G and Jay Aston, appeared in the video for

Comic Relief Comic relief is the inclusion of a humorous character, scene, or witty dialogue in an otherwise serious work, often to relieve tension. Definition Comic relief usually means a releasing of emotional or other tension resulting from a comic episo ...

's 2007 single, "

I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" is a song written and performed by Scottish duo the Proclaimers, and first released as the lead single from their 1988 album '' Sunshine on Leith''. The song reached number 11 in the UK Singles Chart on its initial re ...

". A Bucks Fizz CD with a bonus DVD, '' The Very Best of Bucks Fizz'' was released on 14 May 2007. A new CD of rare material '' The Lost Masters 2 – The Final Cut'' was released on 19 May 2008. In April 2009, Preston announced she was leaving The Original Bucks Fizz and has now been replaced by other original member Aston. This would be the first time Baker had performed with Aston since 1985. Baker still raises money for HeadFirst and regularly makes personal appearances on behalf of the charity, such as on ''Celebrity

Cash in the Attic ''Cash in the Attic'' is a British television programme that aired on BBC One from 4 November 2002 to 24 May 2012. The programme's tagline was ''The show that helps you find hidden treasures in your home, and then sells them for you at auction'' ...

'' in July 2008. She has also campaigned on behalf of

IVF treatment In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a process of fertilisation where an egg is combined with sperm in vitro ("in glass"). The process involves monitoring and stimulating an individual's ovulatory process, removing an ovum or ova (egg or eggs) f ...

and cleaner NHS hospitals. In 2008, Baker became an Ambassador of Festival4Stars talent competition after she judged a national final. On 28 April 2009, she appeared on '' Loose Women'' to speak about the competition. During 2009 Baker toured with the musical ''

Menopause Menopause, also known as the climacteric, is the time in women's lives when menstrual periods stop permanently, and they are no longer able to bear children. Menopause usually occurs between the age of 47 and 54. Medical professionals often ...

''. In 2011, Baker undertook a mini tour of the UK with The Original Bucks Fizz, including a concert at the

London Palladium The London Palladium () is a Grade II* West End theatre located on Argyll Street, London, in the famous area of Soho. The theatre holds 2,286 seats. Of the roster of stars who have played there, many have televised performances. Between 1955 a ...

on 11 July 2011. In 2012, The Original Bucks Fizz released the album ''Fame & Fortune?''. Baker is the vice-president of the

stillbirth Stillbirth is typically defined as fetal death at or after 20 or 28 weeks of pregnancy, depending on the source. It results in a baby born without signs of life. A stillbirth can result in the feeling of guilt or grief in the mother. The term ...

charity Abigail's Footsteps.

2016 - present

Since 2016, Baker has been performing with fellow Bucks Fizz members

and

Mike Nolan (singer) Michael Nolan (born 7 December 1954) is an Irish singer who is best known as one of the four original members of the British pop group, Bucks Fizz, who now perform as The Fizz. He was born in Dublin, Republic of Ireland, but brought up in the U ...

under

. They perform sell out shows and have released several well-received albums.

Personal life

Baker has three brothers, Eddie, Colin and Gary, and a sister, Sheila. She married bass player Steve Stroud in

Lewisham Lewisham () is an area of southeast London, England, south of Charing Cross. It is the principal area of the London Borough of Lewisham, and was within the historic county of Kent until 1889. It is identified in the London Plan as one of ...

, London, on 25 January 1992. Their twin daughters, Kyla Olivia and Natalie Maria, were born in

Westminster Westminster is an area of Central London, part of the wider City of Westminster. The area, which extends from the River Thames to Oxford Street, has many visitor attractions and historic landmarks, including the Palace of Westminster, Bu ...

, London, on 20 June 1994. She lives in Ightham,

Kent Kent is a county in South East England and one of the home counties. It borders Greater London to the north-west, Surrey to the west and East Sussex to the south-west, and Essex to the north across the estuary of the River Thames; it faces ...

. In 2006 she spoke out about her experiencing the

menopause Menopause, also known as the climacteric, is the time in women's lives when menstrual periods stop permanently, and they are no longer able to bear children. Menopause usually occurs between the age of 47 and 54. Medical professionals often ...

and resulting hair loss. She has also spoken of her weight fluctuations over the years. During 2010 and 2011 she took part in a diet and advertising campaign for Jenny Craig Inc., where after nine months had lost two-and-a-half

stone In geology, rock (or stone) is any naturally occurring solid mass or aggregate of minerals or mineraloid matter. It is categorized by the minerals included, its Chemical compound, chemical composition, and the way in which it is formed. Rocks ...

. In association with this she ran and completed the

London Marathon The London Marathon is an annual marathon held in London, United Kingdom, and is the 2nd largest annual road race in the UK, after the Great North Run in Newcastle. Founded by athletes Chris Brasher and John Disley in 1981, it is typically he ...

for the charity Head First.

References

External links

CherylBaker.netBucks Fizz The Early Years
*
The Original Bucks Fizz myspace page

The website for the 2015 Paradise Regained Tour
{{DEFAULTSORT:Baker, Cheryl 1954 births Living people Eurovision Song Contest entrants for the United Kingdom English television presenters Eurovision Song Contest entrants of 1978 Eurovision Song Contest entrants of 1981 Eurovision Song Contest winners People from Bethnal Green Popstar to Operastar contestants English women pop singers