Michelle Gayle
Michelle Gayle is possibly the finest example of how an artist can defy the odds on the way to success. Michelle is one of the rare people who have crossed over from child star (Grange Hill) to adult success. She then crossed over from British soap star (Eastenders) to a glittering pop career - achieving 6 top 20 hits and selling just under a million records. “Sweetness.” being the biggest hit. Michelle was so respected in the music industry that she still remains the only British soap star to be nominated for a Brit award for Best British Female (and she has been nominated twice!) She then went from pop success to the West End Stage with the lead role of Belle in the Disney production of Beauty and The Beast.
Michelle is about to conquer movies with the lead female role, of Yvonne, in a film called Joy Division, which also stars Ed Stoppard (The Pianist) and Bernad Hill and will be premiered at the Berlin Film Festival in February. "I have to thank Denise Van Outen for getting me that part. The director of the film, Reg Travis is her ex-boyfriend's (Richard Travis) brother. Apparently he'd seen a number of people and wasn't happy, then Denise suggested me. I saw her the other day and told her I owe her some money!"
Michelle married the ex footballer, Mark Bright in November 1996 and they have a son of 5 called Isaiah. She says, “I took 3 years off work to look after Isaiah, I turned down £100,000 for a tour when he was 3 months old… I just couldn’t leave him!” She credits her husband for encouraging her to get back out there and says he told her that he didn’t want her talent to go to waste. "Sometimes you need a kick up the ass! My husband gave me one!" She laughed.
Michelle has nearly finished her third album which features a track called "Gotta Be Me." It was reported on the television that 50 cent is going to put it on the soundtrack to his movie which was a surprise to Michelle - "I was tuning in for all the gossip, when the 50 cent story came up - I nearly spat out my tea. I love 50 cent! The producer I work with, works with him too - so I think he played him the track - I still don't know if he's going to use it but he can definitely call me!"
Michelle is currently training for The Games on Channel Four which will be shown every night from March 17th to 27th. This will be followed by the British release of her film and her album.
Michelle is also putting the finishing touches to her first book. A novel about a music mogul/tv talent show judge, "basically, he's screwed over a lot of artists that he managed, has an epiphany, and tries to make it up to them. I've seen a lot go on over the years and it was a great way to let it all out, creatively." I ask if she's expecting any lawsuits. "Hmmm... I'm hoping that I've disguised everyone enough to avoid that." We look forward to reading it.
Michelle has recently performed on BBC You decide song for Europe With the amazing track woo will you make me go ….
