Birth name Charlotte Maria Reed (changed to Charlotte Maria Church, 1998)

Date of birth 21 February 1986

Star sign Pisces

Birthplace Llandaff, Cardiff, UK

Height 5ft 5in

Eye colour Blue/green

Marriages None

Children Ruby Megan Henson, born 20 September 2007 (daughter of Gavin Henson)

Biography

From classical music’s angelic child prodigy to party-loving tabloid star, singer and TV presenter Charlotte Church has lived her life under the spotlight.

Charlotte was born in Cardiff, Wales, and was raised by mother Maria and stepfather James. She rose to international fame as a child, getting her big break, aged 11, when she sang Pie Jesu on TV show Talking Telephone Numbers in 1997.

She swiftly signed to Sony BMG under the guidance of manager Jonathan Shalit and became the youngest artist with a No.1 album on the British classical crossover charts with her 1998 debut, Voice Of An Angel. Further hit albums followed including a Christmas carols collection and – at just 16 – a ‘best of’, as well as performances for Pope John Paul II and the then-US president, Bill Clinton.

In 2005 Charlotte broke away from classical music and issued her first pop album, Tissues And Issues. Despite some success – most notably No.2 hit Crazy Chick – she parted company with her record label a year later and began concentrating on a TV career. Her comedy sketch and celebrity chat show, The Charlotte Church Show, aired in September 2006 and a new series is planned for summer 2008.

Despite selling more than 10 million albums worldwide, the press has often focused on Charlotte’s personal life, including a failed relationship with Kyle Johnson, who did a kiss-and-tell on the singer, and her mother’s suspected overdose in 2005. She has also been criticised for glamorising smoking and binge drinking – she revealed in 2005 that she downed 10 double vodkas on an average night out.

Charlotte is currently dating rugby star Gavin Henson and the pair – dubbed the Welsh ‘Posh and Becks’ – welcomed their first child, Ruby Megan, in September 2007.

Quotes

‘I think I drink too much for health reasons. My poor liver! It hasn’t even developed yet!’ (Observer Music Monthly, 22 May 2005)

‘I don’t actually like alcohol. If I’m having a meal, I’ll have a lemonade. The only time I drink is to get pissed and dance like a crazy woman.’ (Daily Mail, 21 June 2005)

‘Me? An angel! Just ask my mum about that!’ (Internet Movie Database)

‘I was the ugliest toddler you ever saw. I ate like a pig so I was pretty chubby with massive legs… I was minging.’ (autobiography Keep Smiling, 2007)

(On New York and 9/11)
‘Everyone there has to relate themselves to it. They are like, “Yeah, my neighbour’s dogs’ owners’ sister’s dog was involved, but he got out just in time”.It was a bit sick. People overdramatise and lose perspective.’ (The Sunday Times, November 2001)