After Dinner Speakers: Cheryl Baker, Jacques Delors, Gary Shandling

Born on 8th March 1954 in Bethnal Green, Cheryl went to school locally and left to become a secretary. Together with her sister Sheila, Cheryl was a member of the cathedral Players, an amateur operatic society, which mounted shows as varied as "Oklahoma" and "Die Fledermaus". Cheryl loved being on stage and performing and when she was twenty one she answered and advertisement for a singer and got the job. She changed her name from, Rita Crudgington and became part of "Mother's Pride", who then became "Co-Co", who represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song, "Bad Old Days" a number twelve hit. Cheryl stayed with "Co-Co" for five years and quit in 1980. To make some money she had some temporary work at London's Mayfair Recording Studios. Those same studios were used by Andy Hill and Nicola Martin. On New Years Day 1981, Cheryl got a call from Andy Hill asking if she would like to go along and hear his song, "Making Your Mind Up" and maybe join the group that was to be called, Bucks Fizz. Cheryl became one of the UK's most popular celebrities, which followed with numerous television appearances and later became involved with her own programmes. Cheryl sang lead on a number of Bucks Fizz songs including the singles, 'Rules Of The Game' and 'You Love Love'. Cheryl also released some solo records, 'If Paradise is half As Nice' and 'Sensuality' which although were not big hits, proves her versatility. Although Cheryl has now left the group, she will always be remembered for her performances in Bucks Fizz and just recently made a surprise appearance on stage with Mike Nolan at a Bucks Fizz show. She was also recently honoured with receiving the 'Big Red Book' on the UK television series, This Is Your Life. I am sure we haven't heard the last of Cheryl, the Queen of Bucks Fizz.