He is a household name now – but he had his early days here
You would find it hard to find someone in the UK who doesn’t know who Aston Merrygold is. From his rise to fame on the X Factor, to his unfair exit from Strictly, he is definitely a household name.
But not everyone across the UK would know he had his start in our very own Peterborough. Before embarking on his celebrity life, Aston lived an ordinary life here in Peterborough.
His band JLS achieved massive success after finishing as runners-up on the X Factor in 2008. Peterborough-born Aston Merrygold’s career took off after he auditioned for the X Factor. His boyband JLS finished second to Alexandra Burke in the show’s fifth series, which resulted in admirers throughout the country chanting his name during the group’s heyday.
Despite not winning the X Factor, JLS secured a record deal swiftly and launched their debut single Beat Again in 2009, which reached No. 1 on the UK singles chart. The band, previously known as Jack The Lad Swing, packed out venues and achieved five number one singles – shifting over 10 million records globally.
JLS disbanded in 2013 but later reformed for a UK and Ireland tour in 2023 and are still touring together now. Aston has been busy ever since his rise to fame though – even when JLS were on a break.
The 38-year-old has also released his own solo material. His first single in 2015 “Get Stupid” featured in the official television advertisement for the Samsung Galaxy S9.
He has also featured on well-known programmes including The Masked Singer and Strictly Come Dancing, rapidly establishing himself as a viewer favourite, and even served as a judge on Sky 1’s Got To Dance alongside Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt and Diversity’s Ashley Banjo. Despite his successful career, Aston Merrygold’s journey began with a humble upbringing in Peterborough, where he first discovered his love for performing.
Born on February 13, 1988 to a Jamaican father and a Northern Irish mother, Aston was raised in the Cambridgeshire city alongside his siblings. He is one of seven children – five brothers and one sister – shared between his biological and step parents. His education took place at Jack Hunt School in Bradwell Road, Netherton, Peterborough, a place he credits for igniting his passion for singing and dancing.
In a nostalgic moment, after their X Factor journey, Aston and his bandmates returned to Jack Hunt School for a special performance. The singer’s personal life has also flourished since his days in Cambridgeshire.
He now shares three children with his partner, dancer Sarah Louise Richards, with their most recent addition, a baby girl, arriving in March 2024.
Despite his fame, Aston has always remained true to his roots. In 2011, he had a tattoo inspired by Peterborough inked on his arm, featuring the city’s stunning cathedral.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login