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Aston Merrygold

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"Merrygold" redirects here. For the flower, see Marigold.

Aston Merrygold
Merrygold performing on the 4th Dimensions Tour at The O2 Arena
Born
Aston Iain Merrygold

(1988-02-13) 13 February 1988 (age 36)
Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, England
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • actor
  • dancer
  • television presenter
Years active2002–present
AgentLogan Media Entertainment[1]
Television
Spouse
Sarah Richards
​
(m. 2022)​
Children3
Musical career
Genres
InstrumentVocals
Years active2002–present
Labels
Websiteastonmerrygold.com

Aston Iain Merrygold (born 13 February 1988)[2] is a British singer, songwriter, actor, dancer and television presenter. He is known for being a member of the British boy band JLS, who were the runners-up to Alexandra Burke in the fifth series of The X Factor. As part of the group he achieved five number one singles on the UK Singles Chart and a number one album on the UK Albums Chart. As of December 2013, JLS had sold over 10 million records before disbanding in 2013 and reuniting in 2020. In 2013, he became a judge on the British dance talent show Got to Dance.[3]

Aston worked on his debut solo album Showstopper for a planned mid-2016 release,[4] but it remains unreleased. The lead single of the album, "Get Stupid"[5] was released on 24 July 2015 and reached number ten on the ARIA Charts and was certified Platinum. In August 2017, he was announced as a contestant for the fifteenth series of Strictly Come Dancing, and was controversially eliminated on 5 November 2017,[6] coming in tenth place. Merrygold has also appeared in television series including Fun Song Factory and Almost Never.

In 2024, Merrygold is starring in the UK tour of The Wizard of Oz as the Tin Man. He's set to reprise the role in the West End at the Gillian Lynne Theatre.[7]

Early life

[edit]

Merrygold was born on 13 February 1988 to a Jamaican father and an Irish mother, who split up when Merrygold was young. He is one of seven children: he has five brothers and one sister between his biological and step parents.[2] He was born and raised in Peterborough by his mother Siobhan and stepfather, Orjan; where he attended Jack Hunt School.[8] Merrygold stated that he loved to dance and perform and certain TV appearances got him into singing. Through auditions, he met future band member Marvin Humes and they stayed in contact. Whilst still attending secondary school, he played football on behalf of England in the European Youth Games.[9]

Career

[edit]

2002–2013: Career beginnings and JLS

[edit]
Further information: JLS

In 2002, he entered Stars in Their Eyes where he appeared as Michael Jackson, singing "Rockin' Robin". He finished in second place.[9] Shortly afterwards, Merrygold took on a job as an entertainer at Pop Star Studios in Fletton Peterborough, eventually leaving to follow his musical career. Merrygold performed in school productions and, after leaving school in 2004, was cast in the ITV children's programme, Fun Song Factory alongside presenter Laura Hamilton.[10]

Friend Marvin Humes had already successfully auditioned to become a member of UFO, (later JLS), formed by Oritse Williams when Humes encouraged Aston to audition.[11] Merrygold and JB Gill were recruited soon after, and they changed their name to JLS. In 2008, they auditioned for the fifth series of The X Factor, where they went on to finish in second place to Alexandra Burke.[12] After the series finished, JLS signed with record label Epic Records[13] The band have released four studio albums (JLS, Outta This World, Jukebox, and Evolution) and appeared in a film, JLS: Eyes Wide Open.[14] In August 2012, Merrygold was confirmed as a judge on the fourth series of the Sky One dance talent show Got to Dance[15] and would appear alongside Diversity dancer Ashley Banjo and former Pussycat Dolls member Kimberly Wyatt. Merrygold said the experience had been "inspiring".[16] In 2014, it was confirmed that he would not be returning to the show due to pursuing other projects.[17] On 22 December 2013, JLS performed for the last time.[18]

2014–present: Solo career

[edit]

On 23 September 2014, Merrygold signed with Warner Bros. Records to release his debut album Showstopper,[4] preceded by lead single "Get Stupid" on 24 July 2015. He premiered the "Get Stupid" video on 26 May 2015.[19][20][21] Merrygold then announced that he would be releasing a six-track EP instead of the Showstopper album, titled Precious. Merrygold posted a yellow picture on his Twitter and Instagram accounts, asking fans to "play around" with the filters to reveal a "hidden message", which revealed the name of the EP and its release date, 28 April 2017.[22][23] Only the single "Precious" was included on the EP. On going solo, Merrygold has explained that he can be "expressive as [he likes]" rather than considering what his fellow JLS members would think of a song.[24]

On 5 May 2017, Merrygold released the single "Trudy".[25] On 27 May 2017, Merrygold guest presented an episode of The Playlist. In August 2017, Merrygold was announced as a contestant for the fifteenth series of Strictly Come Dancing.[26] He was partnered with professional dancer Janette Manrara and reached the seventh week of the competition, losing the dance off to Mollie King and AJ Pritchard.[27] The decision to eliminate Merrygold instead of King was not popular with viewers and bosses, who went on social media to vent their anger at the decision.[28] In February 2018, Merrygold's 2015 single Get Stupid featured in a newly launched TV commercial released by Samsung promoting the Galaxy S9 smartphone.[29] Merrygold was picked in July 2018 as Elvis Duran's Artist of the Month. He was featured on NBC's Today show hosted by Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford, broadcast nationally in the United States on 19 July 2018 where he performed a live version of his single "Get Stupid". In 2019, he was cast in the CBBC series Almost Never as Jordan. He stated that he used his knowledge of the music industry, particularly from his time with JLS, as inspiration for the role.[30][24]

From 2020 to 2021, Merrygold competed in the ITV singing series The Masked Singer UK as Robin; he finished in third place.[31] He chose the alias of Robin because Robin from DC Comics's real name is Dick Grayson and Merrygold's son's name is Grayson.[24] In 2022, Merrygold returned in the third series final masked as Robin to perform a duet with Charlotte Church masked as Mushroom.

In September 2021, Merrygold became a judge on the Irish talent show The Big Deal along with Boy George, Jedward, Lyra, and Deirdre O'Kane.[32]

Personal life

[edit]

Merrygold is a supporter of Arsenal F.C.[33] Merrygold has numerous tattoos, including three stars behind his right ear, two stars on his pelvis, a music note between his shoulder blades and a sleeve which consists of a tattoo of Michael Jackson, whom he cited as an inspiration.[34] In 2011, Aston's close childhood friend Lisa died in an accident. As a tribute to his late friend, he got her face tattooed on his forearm.[35]

In September 2017, Merrygold announced via Instagram that his partner, Sarah Louise Richards, was expecting a baby. He said that her pregnancy had encouraged him to take part in Strictly Come Dancing. The couple announced their engagement in December 2017.[36] On 30 January 2018, Richards gave birth to their first son.[37] Their second son was born on 5 June 2020.[38] They wed in September 2022.[39] In March 2024, they announced the birth of their third child.[40]

Other ventures

[edit]

Product and endorsements

[edit]

In September 2010, an "Aston doll" was launched, alongside the other 3 members of JLS.[41] Durex teamed up with JLS to produce a condom range called "Just Love Safe", with each member of the group having their own box.[42] In 2010, Merrygold alongside Gill, Humes and Williams endorsed Nintendo Wii Party, appearing in 7 different TV adverts.[43] JLS were also part of the Walkers crisps "Make sandwich more exciting" advertising campaign. This resulted in the band doing a surprise performance at Sandwich Technology School, which appeared on the television advertisement.[44] Merrygold also appeared on advertisements for Coca-Cola in the UK promoting their 'Share a Coke' range.[45]

Philanthropy

[edit]

JLS founded "The JLS Foundation",[46] a foundation that sets out to raise money for 6 different charities: Cancer Research UK, Rays of Sunshine, Brook, Childline, Beat Bullying and the MS Society. Despite the band's split, the foundation still remains active. Merrygold is an ambassador for the charity BeatBullying, a cause he "feels strongly about" after enduring racial bullying growing up.[47] Merrygold has appeared on Children in Need nights since 2010. All sales from the JLS number one single "Love You More" went to Children In Need.[48] In 2011, Merrygold did a VT for the charity in which he met 7-year-old Emily, who suffers from osteogenesis imperfecta. In 2012, JLS performed at the "Children in Need Rocks Manchester" concert, performing "Take a Chance on Me".[49] In 2013, Merrygold appeared on Children in Need for the last time as a member of JLS where the group sang a medley of JLS songs at the BBC One soap opera EastEnders set.[50]

JLS also helped raise money for Comic Relief, appearing in comedy sketches with both Miranda Hart[51] and James Corden.[52] In 2012, JLS visited Uganda for Sport Relief, and appeared in VTs throughout the show.[53] In the same year, JLS also released the official Sport Relief charity single "Proud", which peaked at number 6 in the chart,[54] as well as hosting a special charity concert "JLS Sing for Sport Relief"[55] and doing the Sport Relief Mile.

Discography

[edit]
See also: JLS discography

Extended plays

[edit]
Title Details
Precious[23]

Singles

[edit]

As lead artist

[edit]
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
UK
[56] 		AUS
[57] 		IRE
[58] 		SCO
[59]
"Get Stupid" 2015 28 10 72 15 Non-album singles
"Show Me"[60] — — — —
"I Ain't Missing You"
(featuring LDN Noise) 		2016 126 — — 70
"Too Late" — — — —
"One Night in Paris" 2017 — — — —
"Precious"
(featuring Shy Carter) 		— — — 74 Precious
"Trudy"[25] — — — — Non-album singles
"Across My Heart"
(featuring Gawler) 		2018 — — — —
"Bon Appetit" — — — —
"Poison Ivy" — — — —
"Whine Up" 2019 — — — —
"Overboard" 2021 —[A] — — —
"Share a Coke" —[B] — — —
"Hundreds and Thousands"[63] — — — —
"Emergency" — — — —
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released.
[edit]
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
AUS
[64]
"Money Maker"
(Throttle featuring LunchMoney Lewis and Aston Merrygold) 		2016 65 Non-album singles
"Rockstar"
(LDN Noise featuring Aston Merrygold) 		2017 —
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released.

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ "Overboard" did not enter the UK Singles Chart, but peaked at number 63 on the UK Singles Downloads Chart.[61]
  2. ^ "Share a Coke" did not enter the UK Singles Chart, but peaked at number 93 on the UK Singles Downloads Chart.[62]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "LME Worldwide". Lmeworldwide.com.
  2. ^ a b "Aston Merrygold Biography". JLS Official. Archived from the original on 9 June 2012. Retrieved 2 September 2011.
  3. ^ "Former JLS singer Aston Merrygold rumoured to be joining Strictly Come Dancing". The Daily Telegraph. 12 August 2017. Retrieved 7 November 2019.
  4. ^ a b "Showstopper by Aston Merrygold on iTunes". Apple Inc. Archived from the original on 6 March 2016. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
  5. ^ "Aston Merrygold reveals name of debut single, 'Get Stupid'". TwitCelebGossip. 21 May 2015.
  6. ^ "Aston Merrygold's early exit from Strictly shocks fans". HELLO!. 6 November 2017. Retrieved 18 August 2023.
  7. ^ Aston Merrygold and The Vivienne Will Star in Limited London Run of The Wizard of Oz
  8. ^ Briggs, Stephen (22 December 2008). "'I always knew Aston had the X Factor'". Peterborough Telegraph. Archived from the original on 19 February 2014. Retrieved 4 December 2013.
  9. ^ a b "Aston Merrygold". Heat World.
  10. ^ "Aston On Fun Song Factory". Fanpop.com.
  11. ^ "Hit Music Name Changes". Capital FM.
  12. ^ "Alexandra crowned X Factor winner". BBC News. 14 December 2008. Retrieved 14 December 2008.
  13. ^ "X-Factor runners up JLS sign recording deal with Epic". The Telegraph. 20 January 2009. Retrieved 20 January 2009.
  14. ^ "JLS Eyes Wide Open 3D". The Numbers.
  15. ^ "Got To Dance 2013: Kimberly Wyatt rows with new judge Aston Merrygold". telly mix.
  16. ^ "JLS star Aston Merrygold: 'Got to Dance has been inspiring'". Digitalspy.co.uk. 31 January 2013.
  17. ^ "Got To Dance 2014: Aston Merrygold gets axe but Ashley Banjo and Kimberly Wyatt are back". telly mix.
  18. ^ Eames, Tom (23 December 2013). "JLS say goodbye to fans at final gig in London". Digital Spy. Retrieved 30 January 2016.
  19. ^ "Instagram". Archived from the original on 9 July 2015. Retrieved 3 October 2014.
  20. ^ "JLS Star Aston Merrygold Gets Second Shot at Singing Success With Solo Deal". International Business Times UK. 24 September 2014.
  21. ^ "JLS Star Aston Merrygold Signs Solo Record Deal". MTV UK.
  22. ^ "Aston Merrygold Announces Debut EP". celebmix.com. 12 April 2017. Retrieved 14 April 2017.
  23. ^ a b "Excited to finally announce that I'll be releasing my Precious EP on April 28th". 14 April 2017.
  24. ^ a b c Shamim, Aman (8 March 2021). "Aston Merrygold Talks 'Overboard', The Masked Singer And Everything In Between!". The Honey POP. Retrieved 6 January 2022.
  25. ^ a b "Trudy – Single by Aston Merrygold on Apple Music". Apple Inc. 5 May 2017. Retrieved 8 May 2017.
  26. ^ "Aston Merrygold is the eighth celebrity announced for 2017!". bbc.co.uk. 14 August 2017. Retrieved 14 August 2017.
  27. ^ Hogan, Michael (5 November 2017). "Strictly Come Dancing 2017, week 7, Sunday results: Aston Merrygold sent home after shock dance-off defeat to Mollie King". The Daily Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 6 November 2017.
  28. ^ Hardwick, Jack (5 November 2017). "Aston Merrygold AXED from Strictly in results show shocker". Daily Star. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
  29. ^ "Samsung's Galaxy S9 "Camera Reimagined" TV Commercial". 20 March 2018. Retrieved 20 March 2018.
  30. ^ "BBC – Aston Merrygold joins cast of CBBC's Almost Never – Media Centre". BBC. Retrieved 13 February 2021.
  31. ^ "The Masked Singer unmasks JLS star Aston Merrygold as Robin as he comes in third". Daily Mirror. 13 February 2021.
  32. ^ "First look at Virgin Media's new show hosted by Vogue Williams". Independent.ie. 14 June 2021. Archived from the original on 16 August 2021. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
  33. ^ "Aston Merrygold of JLS on pre-show nerves, supporting Arsenal and coming to Sunderland for North East Live". Sunderland Echo. Archived from the original on 20 February 2014. Retrieved 2 February 2014.
  34. ^ "Biography". JLS official. Archived from the original on 9 June 2012. Retrieved 4 December 2013.
  35. ^ "JLS stars Aston Merrygold and Oritse Williams reveal heartache driving their success". Daily Record.
  36. ^ "Strictly Come Dancing's Aston Merrygold is engaged". Digitalspy.com. 27 December 2017.
  37. ^ "'Life is now complete': Aston Merrygold welcomes baby son". independent. 31 January 2018. Retrieved 31 January 2018.
  38. ^ Rigney, Catriona (6 June 2020). "Aston Merrygold's fiancée Sarah Richards gives birth to couple's second child". OK! Magazine. Retrieved 6 June 2020.
  39. ^ "Inside Aston Merrygold and Sarah Richards' stunning wedding ceremony with OK! Magazine". www.youtube.com.
  40. ^ Morris, Lauren (3 March 2024). "Aston Merrygold welcomes third child with wife Sarah as they reveal adorable name". OK! Magazine. Retrieved 3 March 2024.
  41. ^ "Here are JLS with their very own dolls". Reveal.co.uk.
  42. ^ "JLS: biggest selling condom revealed". Capital fm.
  43. ^ "Awkward Advertising: JLS Wii Party". Archived from the original on 19 February 2014. Retrieved 2 February 2014.
  44. ^ "Walkers puts the celebrity into Sandwich". Pepisico. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 2 February 2014.
  45. ^ "Who would Aston Merrygold share a Coke with?". The Coca-Cola Company. Archived from the original on 7 November 2017. Retrieved 2 February 2014.
  46. ^ "JLS re-launch JLS Foundation with INCREDIBLE fan competition".
  47. ^ "Endured racist bullying – Aston Merrygold". BullyVille.com.
  48. ^ "JLS sing Children in Need single". News.bbc.co.uk. 1 October 2010.
  49. ^ "Children in Need Rocks Manchester: Lady Gaga and Coldplay rock charity gig". Mirror.co.uk. 18 November 2011.
  50. ^ Raven, David (16 November 2013). "Children in Need in pictures: One Direction and JLS help raise £31m for charity". Mirror.co.uk.
  51. ^ "Miranda Hart , JLS and Louis Spence join forces for Comic Relief". Archived from the original on 20 February 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  52. ^ "JLS, James Corden and Justin Bieber were hilarious in Comic Relief".
  53. ^ "JLS visit Retrak in Uganda". Archived from the original on 19 February 2014.
  54. ^ "JLS proud of Sport Relief single | Comic Relief". Comicrelief.com.
  55. ^ "Rugby Choir sing with JLS for Sport Relief 2012". 26 March 2012. Archived from the original on 19 February 2014. Retrieved 2 February 2014.
  56. ^ "Aston Merrygold". Officialcharts.com/. Official Charts Company.
  57. ^ "Discography Aston Merrygold". Australian Charts Portal. Hung Medien.
  58. ^ "Discography Aston Merrygold". Irish Charts Portal. Hung Medien.
  59. ^ Peak positions for singles in Scotland:
  60. ^ "Show Me – Single by Aston Merrygold". Music.apple.com. 13 June 2016.
  61. ^ "Official Singles Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. 19 February 2021. Retrieved 20 February 2021.
  62. ^ "Official Singles Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. 26 February 2021. Retrieved 26 February 2021.
  63. ^ "Hundreds and Thousands – Single by Aston Merrygold". music.apple.com. 26 February 2021.
  64. ^ "ARIA CHART WATCH #388". auspOp. 1 October 2016. Archived from the original on 3 October 2016. Retrieved 1 October 2016.
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