Aston Merrygold facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Aston Merrygold
Merrygold performing on the 4th Dimensions Tour at The O2 Arena
Born	Aston Iain Merrygold (1988-02-13) 13 February 1988 (age 37) Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, England
Occupation	Singer songwriter actor dancer television presenter
Years active	2002–present
Agent	Logan Media Entertainment
Television	The X Factor Got to Dance Almost Never The Masked Singer UK
Spouse(s)	Sarah Richards ​ (m. 2022)​
Children	3
Musical career
Genres	R&B pop dance hip hop soul
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	2002–present
Labels	RCA Warner Bros. Sony
Associated acts	JLS

Aston Merrygold is a British singer, songwriter, actor, dancer, and TV presenter. He was born on 13 February 1988. He is famous for being a member of the boy band JLS.

JLS became well-known after finishing second on the TV show The X Factor in 2008. With JLS, Aston had five number one songs and a number one album in the UK. The band sold over 10 million records before they split up in 2013. They got back together in 2020.

In 2013, Aston became a judge on the dance show Got to Dance. He also released solo music, including the song "Get Stupid" in 2015, which reached the top 10 in Australia. In 2017, he competed on Strictly Come Dancing. Aston has also acted in TV shows like Almost Never. In 2024, he is starring as the Tin Man in the musical The Wizard of Oz.

About Aston Merrygold's Early Life

Aston Merrygold was born in Peterborough, England. His father is from Jamaica and his mother is from Ireland. His parents separated when he was young. Aston grew up with his mother and stepfather. He has five brothers and one sister.

He went to Jack Hunt School in Peterborough. Aston loved to dance and perform from a young age. He played football for England in the European Youth Games while he was still in secondary school.

Aston's Music and TV Career

Starting Out and JLS (2002–2013)

In 2002, Aston appeared on the TV show Stars in Their Eyes. He performed as Michael Jackson and sang "Rockin' Robin", finishing in second place. After this, he worked as an entertainer.

In 2004, Aston was cast in the ITV children's TV show Fun Song Factory. His friend Marvin Humes encouraged him to audition for a new band called UFO. Aston joined the band, along with JB Gill. They later changed their name to JLS.

In 2008, JLS auditioned for The X Factor. They became very popular and finished in second place. After the show, JLS signed a record deal. They released four studio albums and even had a film called JLS: Eyes Wide Open.

In 2012, Aston became a judge on the TV dance show Got to Dance on Sky1. He found the experience very inspiring. JLS performed their last show together on 22 December 2013.

Solo Career and Other Shows (2014–Present)

After JLS, Aston signed with Warner Bros. Records in 2014. He planned to release his first solo album, Showstopper. The first song from the album was "Get Stupid", released in July 2015. He later decided to release a shorter collection of songs called an EP, titled Precious, in April 2017.

Aston released more singles, including "Trudy" in 2017. In August 2017, he joined Strictly Come Dancing. He danced with Janette Manrara and reached the seventh week of the competition. Many viewers were surprised when he was eliminated.

In 2019, Aston acted in the CBBC series Almost Never. He played a character named Jordan. Aston used his own experiences from being in a boy band to help with the role.

From 2020 to 2021, Aston competed on the TV singing show The Masked Singer UK. He was disguised as Robin and finished in third place. He chose the name Robin because his son's name is Grayson, and Robin from DC Comics is also known as Dick Grayson. In 2022, he returned to perform a duet on the show. In September 2021, Aston also became a judge on the Irish talent show The Big Deal.

Aston's Personal Life

Aston Merrygold is a big fan of Arsenal F.C., a football team. He has many tattoos, including stars and a picture of Michael Jackson, who inspired him. He also has a tattoo of his childhood friend Lisa, who passed away.

In September 2017, Aston announced that his partner, Sarah Louise Richards, was expecting their first baby. They got engaged in December 2017. Their first son was born in January 2018, and their second son was born in June 2020. Aston and Sarah got married in September 2022. In March 2024, they welcomed their third child.

Other Things Aston Does

Products and Endorsements

In 2010, JLS launched "Aston dolls" and dolls of the other band members. JLS also appeared in TV adverts for Nintendo Wii Party. They were part of a campaign for Walkers crisps, which included a surprise performance at a school. Aston also appeared in adverts for Coca-Cola.

Helping Others (Philanthropy)

JLS started "The JLS Foundation" to raise money for six different charities. Even after the band split, the foundation continues to help. Aston is an ambassador for the charity BeatBullying. He feels strongly about this cause because he experienced bullying when he was younger.

Aston has appeared on Children in Need nights since 2010. All the money from the JLS number one song "Love You More" went to Children in Need. JLS also helped raise money for Comic Relief and Sport Relief. They visited Uganda for Sport Relief in 2012 and released a charity song called "Proud".

Discography

Extended Plays

Singles

As Lead Artist

As Featured Artist

See Also

In Spanish: Aston Merrygold para niños