Aston Merrygold facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Aston Merrygold
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Merrygold performing on the 4th Dimensions Tour at The O2 Arena
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| Born |
Aston Iain Merrygold
13 February 1988 Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, England
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| Occupation |
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| Years active | 2002–present |
| Agent | Logan Media Entertainment |
| Television |
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| Spouse(s) |
Sarah Richards
(m. 2022) |
| Children | 3 |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 2002–present |
| Labels | |
| Associated acts | JLS |
Aston Iain Merrygold (born 13 February 1988) is a British singer, songwriter, actor, and dancer. He is best known for being a member of the popular British boy band JLS. The band became famous after finishing second on The X Factor in 2008.
With JLS, Aston achieved five number one songs and a number one album in the UK. The group sold over 10 million records before they took a break in 2013. They got back together in 2020. Aston has also been a judge on the dance show Got to Dance. He competed on Strictly Come Dancing and The Masked Singer UK. In 2024, he starred as the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz musical.
Contents
About Aston Merrygold
Early Life and Interests
Aston Merrygold was born on 13 February 1988. His father was Jamaican and his mother was Northern Irish. They separated when Aston was young. He grew up in Peterborough with his mother and stepfather. Aston has six brothers and sisters.
He loved to dance and perform from a young age. He played football for England in the European Youth Games while still in secondary school. These early experiences helped him get into singing and performing.
Starting His Career
Aston began his career early. In 2002, he appeared on Stars in Their Eyes as Michael Jackson. He sang "Rockin' Robin" and came in second place. After school, he worked as an entertainer.
He later joined the ITV children's TV show Fun Song Factory. This show helped him gain more experience in entertainment.
Aston's Music Journey
Becoming a Star with JLS
Aston's friend Marvin Humes encouraged him to audition for a new boy band called UFO. Aston joined, along with JB Gill and Oritse Williams. They changed their name to JLS.
In 2008, JLS auditioned for The X Factor. They became very popular and finished as runners-up. After the show, JLS signed a record deal. They released four studio albums: JLS, Outta This World, Jukebox, and Evolution. They also had a film called JLS: Eyes Wide Open.
JLS performed their last show together on 22 December 2013. They reunited in 2020, much to the delight of their fans.
Aston's Solo Music
After JLS took a break, Aston started his solo career. In 2014, he signed with Warner Bros. Records. He released his first solo song, "Get Stupid", in 2015. This song was very popular in Australia.
He later released an EP (a mini-album) called Precious in 2017. Aston has said that going solo allows him to be more creative and express himself fully. He has released several other songs as a solo artist.
Aston on TV and Stage
Dancing on Strictly Come Dancing
In 2017, Aston was a contestant on the popular dance show Strictly Come Dancing. He was partnered with professional dancer Janette Manrara. They were very good dancers and reached the seventh week of the competition. Many viewers were surprised when he was eliminated.
Singing as Robin on The Masked Singer
From 2020 to 2021, Aston competed on The Masked Singer UK. He performed while dressed as a Robin. He finished in third place. He chose the Robin costume because his son's name is Grayson, and Robin from DC Comics is also known as Dick Grayson. In 2022, he returned to the show to perform a duet.
Acting and Judging
Aston has also acted in TV shows. He was in the CBBC series Almost Never as a character named Jordan. He used his own experiences from being in a boy band to help with this role.
In 2012, Aston became a judge on the dance talent show Got to Dance. He found the experience very inspiring. In 2021, he also became a judge on the Irish talent show The Big Deal.
On Stage in The Wizard of Oz
In 2024, Aston took on a new role in musical theatre. He starred as the Tin Man in the UK tour of The Wizard of Oz. He also performed this role in the West End in London.
Aston's Personal Life
Aston is a big fan of Arsenal F.C., a football team. He has several tattoos, including one of Michael Jackson, who inspired him. He also has a tattoo of his close childhood friend, Lisa, who passed away.
Aston is married to Sarah Louise Richards. They announced they were expecting their first child in 2017. Their first son was born in January 2018. Their second son was born in June 2020. They got married in September 2022. In March 2024, they welcomed their third child.
Helping Others
Aston and the other members of JLS started "The JLS Foundation". This foundation raises money for different charities, including Cancer Research UK and Childline. Even after the band's break, the foundation continued its work.
Aston is also an ambassador for the charity BeatBullying. He cares deeply about this cause because he experienced bullying when he was younger. He has appeared on Children in Need many times to help raise money for children in need.
JLS also helped raise money for Comic Relief and Sport Relief. They visited Uganda for Sport Relief and released a charity song called "Proud". They have always used their platform to support important causes.
Images for kids
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Aston Merrygold performing live.
See also
In Spanish: Aston Merrygold para niños
