Russell Grant facts for kids

Russell Grant (born 5 February 1951) is a well-known British TV personality and astrologer. He writes horoscopes for newspapers and has written several books about astrology. He also started a "Pet Psychic" service in 2010. Russell Grant is also known for writing The Real Counties of Britain and for starting the Association of British Counties in 1989.

In recent years, Russell Grant has appeared on popular TV shows. He was a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing in 2011 and Celebrity MasterChef in 2014.

Early Life

Russell Grant grew up in a council house in the 1950s. His father worked selling car parts. Later, both his parents worked at Pinewood Studios, a famous film studio. His mother handled contracts, and his father designed movie sets.

Russell spent much of his childhood with his grandparents. After losing both his grandmothers, he faced some health challenges.

Career Highlights

Starting Out in Show Business

Russell Grant first started his career as an actor. He appeared in various plays, including Tom Brown's Schooldays. He also worked as a Redcoat at Butlin's Holiday Camps, which are popular vacation resorts.

Becoming a TV Astrologer

Russell Grant first appeared on television in 1979 to talk about astrology. He was on a show called Extraordinary. From 1980 to 1981, he was the regular astrologer on Live from Two.

He became very well-known for his appearances on morning TV shows. From 1983 to 1986, he presented the "Your Stars" section on BBC's Breakfast Time. He then joined TV-am in 1986, appearing on Good Morning Britain until 1990. Later, from 1992 to 1995, he gave astrological advice on This Morning.

In 1983, Russell Grant and a group called the Starlettes released cover versions of songs like "No Matter What Sign You Are".

Hosting His Own Shows

Russell Grant has also hosted several TV shows. He presented Star Choice, a quiz show about celebrities and the zodiac. In 1991, he co-hosted People Today. In 1994, he had his own six-episode series called Russell Grant's All Star Show.

After Channel 5 launched, Russell presented Wideworld. This show encouraged people to create historical records for the future. He also directed and starred in Russell Grant's Postcards from 1998 to 2002. These were short travel videos produced by his own company.

Reality TV Appearances

Russell Grant has taken part in several reality TV shows. In 2006, he was on Celebrity Fit Club. In 2010, he appeared on Kitchen Burnout. In 2011, he visited Turkey for Celebrity Five Go to....

Strictly Come Dancing and Theatre

On 6 September 2011, it was announced that Russell Grant would join the ninth series of Strictly Come Dancing. He was partnered with professional dancer Flavia Cacace. He was eliminated from the competition on 20 November 2011.

Russell also appeared in the 2012 series of Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two. He was known as 'Stat Man', providing facts about past winners. In October 2012, he took part in a Strictly Come Dancing special for the Children in Need charity appeal.

In 2012, Russell Grant took on the main role in The Wizard of Oz musical. He played the Wizard at the London Palladium for 12 weeks.

Celebrity MasterChef

On 24 May 2014, it was announced that Russell Grant would compete in the ninth series of Celebrity MasterChef. He took part in the first two episodes. He was eliminated on 12 June, just before the semi-finals.

In one challenge, he made two types of Spring Rolls. He also cooked at a high-end Italian restaurant in Mayfair, London. For the judges, he cooked his Aunt's Fish and Chips and Bread and Butter pudding.

In another episode, he had to identify ingredients and make Brandy snaps. He also cooked for 120 people at Mount Pleasant in North London. He prepared Three counties sausage toad in the hole and Honey, cinnamon and Apple crumble with custard.

Other TV Appearances

Russell Grant has made many guest appearances on TV shows, including:

• Celebrity Stars in Their Eyes (2003)
• Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
• Loose Women (multiple appearances)
• This Morning (multiple appearances)
• Daybreak
• Paddy's Show and Telly (2011) – He won £10,000 for Alzheimer's Society.
• Lorraine
• The Alan Titchmarsh Show
• All Star Family Fortunes (2012) – He won £10,000 for Alzheimer's Society.
• Pointless Celebrities (2012)
• Let's Do Lunch with Gino & Mel (2012)
• Britain's Secret Treasures (2013)
• The Chase: Celebrity Special (2013)
• The Guess List (2014)
• Celebrity Squares (2014)

Personal Life

Russell Grant met his partner, Doug Beaumont, when he was working as an actor. Doug was a stagehand at a theatre in Blackpool. They have been together for over 50 years, and Doug is also Russell's manager.

Russell Grant is a big fan of Brentford F.C., a football team, and even helped design their badge. He has also followed many non-league football clubs in Middlesex since the 1950s. He is a supporter of Wealdstone F.C..

He moved to Cardiff in 1969 and lived in Barry for 20 years. He also lived in Usk near Abergavenny. Today, he lives near the village of Maentwrog, Merionethshire, and has learned some basic Welsh.

In 1996, Russell Grant bought the title "Lord of the Manor of Ashford".