Born:
January 21, 1976
in
London
Best Known For:
Being a Spice Girl.
Early-life:
Born in 1976 in Finchley, London, the daughter of a karate instructor and a milkman who split up when she was 11. Her showbiz career began at a young age _ as a child model she appeared in adverts for toothpaste and Mothercare, and attended the Sylvia Young Theatre School. During her teens, she won small roles in shows including The Bill and EastEnders, having unsuccessfully auditioned for the part of Bianca. However, her big break came in 1994, when she replaced Michelle Stephenson as the fifth member of girl band Touch.
Career:
Touch (now renamed the Spice Girls) released their debut single Wannabe in 1996. Within months, they were one of the biggest acts in the world, and Bunton's cute dresses and bunches had earned her a new nickname _ Baby Spice. After selling 35 million albums and making a film, the group called it a day in 2000, and Bunton launched a solo career. She scored several hits _ including a UK number one _ but eventually ran out of steam. The Spice Girls reunited in 2007 for a greatest hits album and hugely successful tour, and also appeared at the 2012 Olympic Closing Ceremony.
Quote:
On her time with the Spice Girls: "I was 19 years old, travelling around with a load of gorgeous boy dancers. I just look back now and think, 'Wow!' I had a blast'."
Trivia:
Away from music, Bunton came third in the 2006 series of Strictly Come Dancing, has acted as a judge on Dancing on Ice and Your Face Sounds Familiar, and is a DJ on London's Heart FM.