Cheryl Baker has been a familiar face in British entertainment for over four decades. From her chart-topping success with Bucks Fizz to her warm presence on children’s television, she has captured the hearts of audiences across multiple generations. But who is the woman behind the famous skirt-rip routine, and what has her journey been like?
| Cheryl Baker – Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rita Maria Stroud (née Crudgington) |
| Stage Name | Cheryl Baker |
| Date of Birth | March 8, 1954 |
| Age | 70 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Bethnal Green, London, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Profession | Singer, TV Presenter, Actress |
| Famous For | Member of Bucks Fizz, Eurovision Winner 1981 |
| Music Groups | Co-Co (1978), Bucks Fizz (1981-1993), The Fizz (2004-present) |
| Spouse | Steve Stroud (m. 1992) |
| Children | 2 daughters |
| Years Active | 1978 – present |
| Notable TV Shows | Record Breakers, Eggs ‘n’ Baker, The Saturday Picture Show |
| Estimated Net Worth | Several hundred thousand pounds |
Early Life and Background
Born Rita Maria Stroud (née Crudgington) on March 8, 1954, in Bethnal Green, London, Cheryl Baker grew up in a working-class community in East London. Long before she became a household name, she navigated the challenges and joys of her humble beginnings, which would later shape her down-to-earth personality that fans adore.
How old is Cheryl Baker? As of 2025, she is 70 years old, though her energy and enthusiasm continue to defy her age.
The Early Music Years
Before Cheryl Baker became synonymous with Eurovision victory, she worked her way up through the music industry as a backing singer and secretary. Her first brush with the Eurovision Song Contest came in 1978 when she was part of the pop group Co-Co, which represented the UK with the song “Bad Old Days.” Though they finished in 11th place, the single managed to reach #13 in the UK charts, giving the younger Cheryl Baker her first taste of national recognition.
These formative years taught her resilience and professionalism, qualities that would serve her well throughout her career.
Bucks Fizz: The Band That Changed Everything
Eurovision Victory and Chart Domination
In 1981, Cheryl Baker joined the newly formed band Bucks Fizz, alongside Bobby Gee, Mike Nolan, and Jay Aston. The group would soon make history at the Eurovision Song Contest with their infectious song “Making Your Mind Up.” The performance featured an iconic skirt-ripping routine that became one of Eurovision’s most memorable moments, helping them secure victory by a four-point margin.
What group was Cheryl Baker in? While she had previous experience with Co-Co, it was Bucks Fizz that catapulted her to stardom. The success was immediate and overwhelming. “Making Your Mind Up” became their first UK number one hit, followed by two more chart-toppers: “The Land of Make Believe” (1981) and “My Camera Never Lies” (1982).
Between 1981 and 1988, Cheryl Baker Bucks Fizz achieved remarkable commercial success with 20 singles reaching the UK top 60. The band sold over 15 million records worldwide, cementing their place in British pop history.
How old is Cheryl Baker from Bucks Fizz? She was 27 when the group won Eurovision, at the perfect age to handle the whirlwind of fame that followed.
Life in the Spotlight
During her time with Bucks Fizz, Cheryl Baker became known for her bubbly personality and girl-next-door appeal. The group’s success brought wealth, recognition, and opportunities that the young Cheryl Baker had only dreamed of during her East London childhood.
She remained with the group until 1993, when she made the difficult decision to leave and focus on her burgeoning television career.
Television Success: A Natural Presenter
Breaking into Children’s TV
Cheryl Baker’s transition to television proved to be a natural fit. Her warm, approachable demeanor made her perfect for children’s programming. She made her first presenting debut in 1984 with “How Dare You!” and quickly established herself as a trusted face on British TV.
From 1985 to 1986, she co-hosted “The Saturday Picture Show” with Mark Curry, further building her reputation as a versatile presenter. But it was “Record Breakers” (1987-1997) that truly solidified her television legacy. Co-hosting alongside the legendary Roy Castle for 10 years, she helped introduce a generation of children to the world of remarkable achievements and world records.
“Eggs ‘n’ Baker” (1988-1993) gave her a platform to showcase her personality through a unique cooking and music show that ran for five successful years, blending her two passions seamlessly.
Expanding Her TV Portfolio
Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, Cheryl Baker maintained an incredibly busy schedule. She hosted “My Secret Desire” (1989), a seven-part series where a panel worked to identify guests’ secret ambitions, and “The Survival Guide to Food” (1992), which focused on food safety.
She also appeared on “The Saturday Six O’Clock Show” with Michael Aspel and became a regular guest on popular programs like “Ready Steady Cook,” “GMTV,” and “BBC Breakfast.” During the 1990s, she was on television six days a week while still performing with Bucks Fizz—a testament to her incredible work ethic.
Reality TV and Competitions
Cheryl Baker now continues to embrace new challenges. Over the years, she has participated in various reality and competition shows, winning “Drop the Celebrity” and “24-Hour Quiz.” She achieved second place on “Popstar To Operastar,” showcasing her vocal versatility, and has also appeared on “Dancing On Ice” and as a guest on “Countdown.”
Personal Life: Family and Relationships
Marriage and Children
Who is Cheryl Baker married to? She has been married to Steve Stroud since January 25, 1992. Cheryl Baker husband Steve Stroud has been a supportive partner throughout her career, and their marriage has endured for over three decades.
How old is Cheryl Baker husband? While specific details about Steve Stroud’s age are less publicized, the couple has maintained a strong, private relationship away from the tabloid spotlight.
Cheryl Baker daughters are an important part of her life. She has two children, though she has worked to protect their privacy while navigating her public career. Information about Cheryl Baker daughters age and their current activities has been kept relatively private, respecting their desire for a normal life outside their mother’s fame.
Interestingly, while some sources have mentioned Cheryl Baker twins, she actually has two daughters who are not twins, though they remain close siblings.
Where Does She Live?
Where does Cheryl Baker live? While she has maintained some privacy about her exact residence, she has shared glimpses of her home life through various interviews and social media over the years. Her home reflects her warm, welcoming personality, serving as a comfortable retreat from the demands of her public life.
Financial Success and Net Worth
Building Wealth Through Talent
Cheryl Baker net worth has been a topic of public curiosity given her long and successful career. How much is Cheryl Baker worth? While exact figures vary depending on the source, estimates place Cheryl Baker worth in the range of several hundred thousand pounds, accumulated through her music royalties, television work, commercial endorsements, and various business ventures.
Her financial journey hasn’t been without challenges. Like many entertainers, she has experienced the ups and downs of the industry, but her diverse career portfolio has provided stability across the decades.
The Fizz: A Musical Comeback
In 2004, Cheryl Baker reunited with Mike Nolan and Jay Aston as the Original Bucks Fizz. However, legal disputes over the Bucks Fizz name in 2011 forced the group to rebrand. After going through several name changes—OBF, then Cheryl Mike and Jay – Formerly of Bucks Fizz—they eventually settled on “The Fizz.”
The rebranded group found new success, releasing “The F-Z of Pop” (2017) and “Smoke & Mirrors” (2020), both of which reached the top 30 charts. They also released a Christmas album, “Christmas With The Fizz” (2018), proving that their appeal remained strong with longtime fans and new audiences alike.
The current lineup includes Cheryl Baker and Jay Aston with new members following Mike Nolan’s departure in 2024, and they continue to perform and tour.
Other Ventures and Achievements
Beyond music and television, Cheryl Baker has explored various creative outlets. In 2006, she took on the role of Vi Moore in the musical “Footloose,” performing both on tour and at the Novello Theatre, demonstrating her theatrical talents.
As an author, she wrote “Cheryl Baker’s Low Calorie Cook Book” in 1996, which reached #4 in the UK book charts, tapping into her passion for cooking that she had showcased on “Eggs ‘n’ Baker.”
She also fronted commercials for Safestyle windows in 2006, and during the COVID-19 lockdowns, she adapted to the times by creating personalized video messages on Cameo, connecting with fans in innovative ways.
Legacy and Continuing Influence
Cheryl Baker now remains active in the entertainment industry at 70 years old. Her legacy as one of Eurovision’s most recognized British winners is secure, but her impact extends far beyond that single victory. She successfully balanced dual careers in music and television for decades, a feat few entertainers manage with such grace.
Known for her “girl next door” charm and bubbly, approachable personality, she has remained highly popular with general audiences across generations. From those who watched her win Eurovision in 1981 to younger fans who discovered her through reality TV or The Fizz’s recent albums, Cheryl Baker continues to connect with people of all ages.
Her journey from Bethnal Green to national treasure status is a testament to her talent, perseverance, and genuine warmth. Whether she’s performing on stage, presenting on television, or simply being herself, Cheryl Baker exemplifies what it means to be a beloved British entertainer.
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