Michelle Gayle facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Michelle Gayle
Gayle in 2008
Background information
Birth name	Michelle Patricia Gayle
Born	(1971-02-02) 2 February 1971 (age 54)
Origin	Harlesden, London, England
Genres	R&B soul
Occupation(s)	Singer songwriter author screenwriter actress
Years active	1988–present
Labels	RCA (1993–1997) EMI (1997–1999) N2 Records (2003–2005)

Michelle Patricia Gayle (born 2 February 1971) is a talented British singer, songwriter, actress, and writer. She became well-known in the 1990s as a soul and R&B singer. Michelle had seven songs that reached the top 40 in the UK Singles Chart, including popular hits like "Sweetness" and "Do You Know". She also released two albums that made it into the top 40.

Besides music, Michelle is famous for her acting roles, especially as Hattie Tavernier in the BBC show EastEnders from 1990 to 1993. She has also acted in movies and plays, like playing Belle in the West End musical Beauty and the Beast. Michelle has appeared on several celebrity reality TV shows and even became a panelist on the ITV chat show Loose Women. She is also an author, and her first novel, Pride and Premiership, was published in 2011.

Michelle Gayle's Acting Career

Michelle Gayle has had many exciting roles on TV, in movies, and on stage.

Early Acting Roles

Michelle was born in 1971 in Harlesden, London. She went to the Barbara Speake Stage School, where other famous people like Naomi Campbell also studied. Michelle first appeared on TV in the children's BBC show Grange Hill in 1988 and 1989. She played Fiona Wilson, who was part of a rap group called Fresh 'n' Fly.

Starring in EastEnders

In 1990, Michelle joined the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders as Hattie Tavernier. Her character was part of the first whole family to join the show at once. This helped the show feature more diverse characters. Michelle played Ian Beale's assistant for three years. She left EastEnders in 1993 to follow her dream of becoming a singer.

Stage and Screen Roles

In 1999, Michelle played the main female role of Belle in Disney's musical Beauty and the Beast in London's West End. She returned to TV acting in 2003, appearing in BBC dramas like Doctors and Holby City. She also played Lara in the soap opera Family Affairs in 2005.

Michelle starred as Yvonne in the film Joy Division, released in 2006. She has also performed in plays like The Brothers and Mum's the Word. In 2018, she began playing Alison in the musical Son of a Preacher Man. Currently, she plays Hermione Granger in the West End show Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

On TV: Presenting and Reality Shows

Michelle has also been a part of many reality TV shows and has done some presenting.

She was a contestant on ITV's Reborn in the USA, a singing competition where British pop stars tried to restart their music careers in the US. Michelle made it to the final and finished in second place. In 2004, she co-hosted the UMA Awards.

In 2006, Michelle competed in The Games, a Channel 4 reality show where celebrities competed in sports. She came in third place and raised over £5,000 for charity. In 2007, she became a guest panelist on ITV's chat show Loose Women.

In 2009, Michelle joined Dancing on Wheels, a BBC show where celebrities danced with partners in wheelchairs. Michelle and her partner, Harry Maule, reached the semi-finals.

Michelle's Music Career

Music has always been a big part of Michelle's life.

Early Success and Hit Songs

Before becoming famous, Michelle sang with a rap group called R-MOR-FUS. In 1993, while still on EastEnders, she signed with RCA Records and started her solo music career. Her first song, "Looking Up", reached number 11 on the charts.

In 1994, she had her biggest hit, "Sweetness", which reached number 4 and stayed on the charts for 16 weeks. It sold over 300,000 copies! She had more hits with "I'll Find You" (1994), "Freedom" (1995), and "Happy Just to Be with You" (1995). These songs were all from her first album, Michelle Gayle, which went gold.

In 1995, Michelle also sang on the charity song "The Gift of Christmas" with many other famous artists. In 1997, she released "Do You Know", which reached number 6, and "Sensational", which reached number 14. These were from her second album, Sensational. Michelle was nominated for three BRIT Awards during her time with RCA Records.

Eurovision and Recent Music

In 2008, Michelle took part in Eurovision – Your Decision, which decided who would represent the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest. She co-wrote her song, "Woo (U Make Me)". Michelle came in second place in the public vote.

In June 2023, Michelle made a surprise appearance at singer Louise Redknapp's concert to perform her hit song "Sweetness".

Becoming an Author

Michelle has also become a writer. In 2010, Walker Books bought the rights to her novel, Pride and Premiership. The book was published on 5 May 2011. It's a story for teenagers about two girls who want to marry football players. Michelle, who was once married to a professional footballer, wanted girls to think carefully about their future choices.

She has also written for television shows, including episodes of Wolfblood and A Discovery of Witches.

Michelle's Personal Life

Michelle Gayle was married to former professional footballer Mark Bright for ten years. They have one son named Isaiah. They divorced in 2008. Michelle is also the godmother to the daughter of actress Jacqui Gordon-Lawrence, who played her mother on EastEnders. Michelle does not eat meat. In 2011, she announced the birth of her second son, Luke.

Music She Made

Here are some of the albums and singles Michelle Gayle has released.

Albums

Singles

Images for kids

• 

  Michelle Gayle in 2008