Denise van Outen

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Template:Short description Template:Use dmy dates Template:Use British English Template:Infobox person

Denise van Outen (born Denise Kathleen Outen; 27 May 1974)<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> is an English actress, singer, dancer and presenter. She presented The Big Breakfast, played Roxie Hart in the musical Chicago both in the West End and on Broadway and finished as runner-up in the tenth series of the BBC One dancing show Strictly Come Dancing.

She was a judge on Any Dream Will Do in 2007, Born to Shine in 2011, and Ireland's Got Talent which ran for two seasons (2018–2019). Van Outen also narrates the ITVBe reality television series The Only Way Is Essex.

Early life

Born Denise Kathleen Outen in Basildon, Essex, England,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> she has a brother TerryTemplate:Citation needed and sister Jackie.Template:Citation needed She claims that her ancestors "are all Dutch", which was the reason she added "van" into her name.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="Observer1">A blonde has more fun The Observer – 25 March 2001</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At the age of seven, she began modelling for knitting patterns,<ref name="Observer1" /> and showed an early flair for performing. This resulted in her attending the Sylvia Young Theatre School.<ref name="Sylvia">Template:Cite web</ref>

In 1986, she played the young Éponine in Les Misérables<ref name="allsaints55">Biography All Saints A to Z Template:Webarchive. Retrieved 2 January 2006.</ref> (the role paid her school fees<ref name="SMirror">Denise van Outen: Why heartbreak only makes her stronger Sunday Mirror – 6 February 2005</ref>), the Anthony Newley-directed production of Stop the World - I Want to Get Off, and A Midsummer Night's Dream with the Royal Shakespeare Company.<ref name="Observer1"/>

Career

Early career

As a teenager, van Outen had brief roles on a number of television dramas; these included Kappatoo<ref>Anita Dobson and Denise Douglas Template:Webarchive anitadobsonfanclub.com – Retrieved 11 August 2007</ref> and The Bill.<ref name="The Bill">Template:Cite news</ref> In 1992, she appeared in a Drinking and Driving Wrecks Lives commercial.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> She also performed backing vocals with Melanie Blatt for the band Dreadzone.<ref name="allsaints55"/> In the mid-1990s, she sang with former video game soundtrack singer Cathy Warwick in a 'girl group' called Those2Girls, by which time she had become Denise van Outen. Those2Girls were signed to BMG's Final Vinyl record label and had a minor Top 40 hit in 1995, called "All I Want".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Acting

During her first stint on The Big Breakfast show, she appeared as Jill in ITV1's version of the pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk<ref name="pfdCV">CV at agents PfD Template:Webarchive – Retrieved 11 August 2007</ref> alongside Julie Walters and Neil Morrissey. Wanting to further develop her acting career, she left The Big Breakfast at the end of 1998. In 1999, she appeared on several episodes of The Bill and The Young Person's Guide To Becoming A Rock Star, the BBC's Murder in Mind short series of crime dramas,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and on 2 series of Babes in the Wood with Karl Howman and Samantha Janus.<ref name="pfdCV"/>

Van Outen has also appeared in film, initially as Maureen in the crime comedy Love, Honour and Obey. In the anthology film Tube Tales, set on the London Underground, she played the lead character of Alex in the "Horny" segment, directed by Stephen Hopkins.<ref>"Van Outen's career goes down the Tube" BBC News – 3 December 1998</ref> Van Outen has played a small role in the romantic comedy Are You Ready For Love?

She first played Roxie Hart on the stage in the hit musical Chicago at the Adelphi Theatre in the West End in April 2001.<ref>"Van Outen lights up Chicago" BBC News – 18 April 2001</ref> Her run proved a hit with theatre-goers, selling out for the entire 20 weeks. Unknown in the United States, she reprised her role on Broadway in the spring of 2002, before returning to the show's London version in late April 2002.<ref>Ovation for returning Van Outen BBC News – 30 April 2002</ref> Late the same year, Van Outen appeared as one of many special guest stars in a performance of The Play What I Wrote once again in London's West End.

In 2003, she returned to the London stage at the Gielgud Theatre in Andrew Lloyd Webber's one-woman show Tell Me on a Sunday,<ref>Cast List – "Tell Me On a Sunday Template:Webarchive – reallyuseful.com: retrieved 11 August 2007</ref><ref>The Basildon princess and the King of easy melody – united at last in a West End musical – BBCNews, 2003</ref> which he reworked for her. She was a huge success and the show ran for nearly a year.<ref name="SMirror3">Denise Van Outen -'I'm getting old and kids think I'm..." Sunday Mirror, 30 November 2003</ref> She then joined the cast of the established ITV sentimental drama Where the Heart Is as one of the lead characters, playing single mother Kim Blakeney, continuing for two series.<ref>Van Outen joins Where the Heart Is RTE.ie, 2005 – Retrieved 11 August 2007</ref>

Van Outen played Maureen in the 2007 London revival of Rent Remixed directed by William Baker until 22 December.<ref>"Rent – Denise Van Outen Takes on Maureen" IndieLondon 2007</ref> She was forced to cancel some performances owing to a throat infection.<ref>Denise Van Outen gives costar laryngitis after lesbian kiss Template:Webarchive Now Magazine, 2007</ref> In July 2009, van Outen played Mary in Hotel Babylon for the BBC. Her character was at the hotel for a science convention.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In August 2009, van Outen made her Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut in Blondes,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> a show by Jackie Clune.

Van Outen took over the role of Paulette Bonafonté from Jill Halfpenny in the West End production of Legally Blonde on 25 October 2010.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> She continued in the role for 6 months. In 2012, Van Outen was cast in the film of the Ray Cooney farce Run for Your Wife alongside Danny Dyer, Sarah Harding and Neil Morrissey.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2013, she co-wrote the one-woman musical play Some Girl I Used To Know with Terry Ronald,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> which she will tour in from January 2014.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In February 2015, it was announced that Van Outen would be joining the cast of EastEnders.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Van Outen plays intelligent businesswoman Karin Smart who gets involved with Max Branning (Jake Wood), and has business history with Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden). In August 2015, Van Outen performed the title role in a concert performance of the musical Sweet Charity at Cadogan Hall,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> with actor/singer Michael Xavier, her SCD co-star, ex-Girls Aloud band member Kimberley Walsh, and West End star Kerry Ellis.

In September 2018, it was announced that she would be joining the cast of the 2018 London revival of Chicago at the Phoenix Theatre in the West End as Velma Kelly.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Due to start rehearsals on 10 September 2018, in preparation for her first performance on 24 September, it was discovered that Van Outen had suffered a stress fracture in her heel, postponing her return to the production with her new dates yet to be announced.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Van Outen joined the cast of Australian soap opera Neighbours as Prudence Wallace in June 2019.<ref name="Brown">Template:Cite web</ref> She filmed her first scenes alongside cast members Stefan Dennis and Rebekah Elmaloglou in London, before flying out to join the cast at the serial's Melbourne studios.<ref name="Brown"/> Her first scenes aired in September 2019.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Television appearances

In 2007, Van Outen co-presented Who Dares, Sings! with Ben Shephard and in 2008 she fronted Sky1's Hairspray: The School Musical. She currently narrates the ITVBe series The Only Way Is Essex.

Van Outen guest presented This Morning in 2005, The Friday Night Project in 2006, The 5 O'Clock Show in 2010, Lorraine in 2010 and 2012, and Sunday Brunch in 2013. She was a judge on the 2011 series Born to Shine. She was a guest panellist on an episode of Loose Women in 2014 and became a regular panellist on the show in September 2017.

Van Outen has been the presenter of Matalan Presents: The Show since 2016. On 30 August 2017, she was announced as one of the four judges on the first season of Ireland's Got Talent in 2018.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2020, she competed in the ITV singing competition The Masked Singer as 'Fox', where she placed fifth.Template:Citation needed

Radio

On 4 February 2008, van Outen reunited with her former Big Breakfast partner Johnny Vaughan as co-host of Capital Breakfast on Capital Radio.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On 29 July 2008, she quit the show, halfway through her contract, because of TV commitments and the early mornings.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> However, in April 2011 van Outen said that she left the show because relations between her and Vaughan had soured. She claims Vaughan has not spoken to her since.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In spring 2013, van Outen started presenting her own Saturday afternoon radio show on London's Magic 105.4, airing between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm.

Strictly Come Dancing

In September 2012, van Outen was announced as one of the celebrities competing on the tenth series of Strictly Come Dancing. She partnered with professional dancer James Jordan. The couple secured top of the leaderboard 7 times. However, controversy arose when viewers criticised her participation in the competition because of the advantage of having had previous stage experience.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On 20 December 2012, van Outen and Jordan finished as runners-up alongside Girls Aloud singer Kimberley Walsh & Pasha Kovalev, behind winning couple, Olympic gymnast Louis Smith & Flavia Cacace.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Dancing on Ice

On 23 September 2020, van Outen was announced as one of the celebrities competing on the thirteenth series of Dancing on Ice. She was partnered with Matt Evers. On 16 January 2021, van Outen suffered a partially dislocated shoulder and tendon damage to her left shoulder after falling during rehearsals for the launch show of series 13 of Dancing On Ice; van Outen was able to perform a modified dance routine with her professional skate partner Matt Evers on the launch show. On 26 January 2021, van Outen withdrew from the competition as a result of her dislocation, as well as three bone fractures which were confirmed after further MRI scans.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Other work

Van Outen has designed two collections thus far for the website Very, part of the Shop Direct Group. The first collection was a maternity range launched in March 2010 and the second an autumn/winter collection.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 2021, she returned to music and released a cover of the Les Misérables musical song "On My Own" as a charity single in aid of the Make A Difference Trust.<ref name="madtrust.org.uk">Template:Cite web</ref> In February 2021, she launched her first podcast alongside partner Eddie Boxshall. Before We Say I Do follows the couple as they investigate types of relationship counselling in an attempt to iron out any differences they may have before they get married. It is produced by Yahoo! UK.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In September 2023, Van Outen released the duet "That's What Friends Are For" with Duncan James. The single, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, was recorded in tribute to their friend, singer Sarah Harding, who died from breast cancer in 2021.Template:Citation needed

File:Denise van Outen, Old Leigh Regatta, Sept. 2024.jpg
Denise Van Outen's DJ set at the Old Leigh Regatta, Sept. 7 2024

Personal life

From 1998 to 2001, she dated Jamiroquai lead singer Jay Kay. The couple were engaged,.<ref>Kay Jay Kay Jay: 'I will marry Denise' BBC News – 19 November 1999</ref> The Jamiroquai song "Little L" is said to have been inspired by their break-up.<ref>contactmusic.com. Retrieved 11 August 2007.</ref>

From 2009 to 2015 (separated 2013), she was married to Any Dream Will Do winner Lee Mead.<ref>[1] Template:Dead link</ref> They have a daughter, Betsy, who was born in 2010. From July 2014, to January 2022, she was in a relationship with commodities trader Eddie Boxshall; they lived together in Chelmsford.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Van Outen has worked with charity. She actively supports Breast Cancer Care and Great Ormond Street Hospital.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2009, Van Outen climbed Mount Kilimanjaro for Comic Relief, and in 2013 took part in a trek across the Great Wall of China for the Royal Marsden Hospital.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
1999 Tube Tales Alex In segment "Horny"
2000 Love, Honour and Obey Maureen
2006 The Battersea Ripper
Are You Ready for Love? Rita
2008 One Careful Owner Lynn Short film
2012 Keith Lemon: The Film Herself Cameo
Run for Your Wife Michelle Smith
2017 Gloves Off Vera
Amy and Sophia Diane Collins
2023 Sumotherhood Nurse

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1989 Crossbow Goldilocks AKA as William Tell. Episode: "Goldilocks"
1990 Kappatoo Tracey Cotton 7 episodes
1993 The Bill Mandy Curtis Series 9; Episode: "A Willing Victim"
1994 Receptionist Series 10; Episode: "Threats and Promises"
1995–1996 Massive! Herself - Presenter
1996 Zig and Zag's Dirty Deeds Herself Episode: "Gingerella"
1996–2001 The Big Breakfast Herself - Presenter 34 episodes
1997 Snap! Herself - Presenter 8 episodes
1998 Jack and the Beanstalk Jill Television film
The Young Person's Guide to Becoming a Rock Star Lizzie Episode:"Signing on the Line"
The Bill Melanie Lehmann Series 14; Episode: "The Personal Touch"
1998–1999 Babes in the Wood Leigh Jackson 14 episodes
1998–2000 The Record of the Year Herself - Presenter
1999–2000 Something for the Weekend Herself - Presenter 15 episodes
2000 How Much Do You Love Me?
Operation Good Guys Herself Episode: "That's Entertainment"
2000–2001 Prickly Heat Herself - Co-host
2001 Murder in Mind Debra Squires Episode: "Neighbours"
2003 The 100 Greatest Musicals Herself - Presenter Television film
2003–2004 Bo' Selecta! Herself 3 episodes
2004 Johnny & Denise: Passport to Paradise Herself - Presenter 6 episodes
French and Saunders Lear's Middle Daughter Episode #6.4
2005 This Morning Herself - Guest presenter
2005–2006 Where the Heart Is Kim Blakeney 13 episodes
2006 The National Lottery: Christmas Special Herself - Presenter
2007 Any Dream Will Do! Herself - Judge 11 episodes
Grease: You're the One that I Want! Herself - Host 11 episodes
The Friday Night Project Herself - Guest presenter
2008 Fairy Tales Michaela Mini-series; Episode: "The Empress's New Clothes"
Backstage at the Brits Herself - Presenter
Who Dares, Sings! Herself - Co-presenter 7 episodes
Hairspray: The School Musical Herself - Presenter
I'd Do Anything Herself - Judge 13 episodes
2009 Hotel Babylon Mary Episode #4.5
2010 The 5 O'Clock Show Herself - Guest presenter 5 episodes
Lorraine Herself - Guest presenter Episode dated 22 October 2010
2010–present The Only Way Is Essex Herself - Voiceover 204 episodes
2011 Born to Shine Herself - Judge 6 episodes
2012 Making the Magic: Disneyland Paris - 20th Anniversary Herself - Narrator Television film
Strictly Come Dancing Herself - Contestant Series 10; 26 episodes
2013 Show Me the Telly Herself 6 episodes
Sunday Brunch Herself - Guest presenter 2 episodes
2014 Draw It! Herself 5 episodes
2014, 2017–2018 Loose Women Herself - Panellist Guest panellist (2014), Regular panellist (2017–2018)
2015 EastEnders Karin Smart 4 episodes
2016–present Matalan Presents: The Show Herself - Presenter <ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2018–2019 Ireland's Got Talent Herself - Judge 7 episodes
2019–present Celebrity Gogglebox Herself 19 episodes
2019–2020 Neighbours Prudence Wallace 19 episodes
2020 Fireman Sam: Norman Price and the Mystery in the Sky Professor Polonium Television film
Richard Osman's House of Games Herself - Contestant Series 4; Week 6
James Martin’s Christmas Day Herself - Guest<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The Great British Sewing Bee Herself - Contestant<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Celebrity Christmas Special
2020–2021 Sunday Brunch Herself - Guest<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 2 episodes
2020, 2023 The Masked Singer Fox (Contestant) Series 1; 6 episodes and 2023 Final
2021 Dancing on Ice Herself - Contestant 3 episodes
The Celebrity Circle Herself - Contestant<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 3 episodes
Paul Sinha's TV Showdown Herself - Guest<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Episode #1.1
Cooking with the Stars Herself - Contestant 6 episodes
2021–2023 Steph's Packed Lunch Herself - Guest / Presenter 21 episodes
2022 Secrets of the Middle Aisle Herself - Presenter<ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Dead linkTemplate:Cbignore</ref> Mini-series
The Big Narstie Show Herself<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Episode #5.3
2023 Air Fryers: Are They Worth It? Herself - Presenter<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Television Special
Secrets of Supermarket Own-Brands Herself - Presenter<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Television Special
2024 Secrets of the Supermarket Buyers Herself - Presenter<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
How to Heat Your Home for Less This Winter Herself - Presenter<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Channel 4 series
TBC Alcohol-free Booze: Is It Worth It? Herself - Presenter<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> One-off documentary

Stage credits

Year Title Role Venue
1988–1989 Peter Pan Wendy Civic Theatre, Barnsley
1995–1996 Sleeping Beauty Sleeping Beauty Poole Arts Centre
1996–1997 Dick Whittington Alice Fitzwarren Horsham Arts Centre
2001, 2002 Chicago Roxie Hart Adelphi Theatre
2002 Chicago Roxie Hart Ambassador Theatre
2003 Tell Me on a Sunday The Girl Gielgud Theatre
2007 Rent Remixed Maureen Duke of York's Theatre
2009 Blondes Various Edinburgh Fringe Festival
2010–2011 Legally Blonde Paulette Savoy Theatre
2014 Some Girl I Used to Know Stephanie UK Tour (Various locations)
2018 Chicago Velma Kelly Phoenix Theatre

Discography

Albums

List of albums, with selected chart positions, sales, and certifications
Title Album details Peak chart positions
UK
<ref name=uk1>Template:Cite web</ref>
Tell Me on a Sunday
  • Released: April 2003
  • Labels: Polydor
  • Formats: CD, digital download
 34

Singles

Year Single Peak chart positions Album
UK
<ref name=uk1/><ref name=uk2>Template:Cite web</ref>
1998 "Especially for You" (as Denise and Johnny) 3 Template:N/a
2002 "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" (with Andy Williams) 23 The Essential Andy Williams
2021 "On My Own"<ref name="madtrust.org.uk"/> – Template:N/a
2022 "From New York to L.A."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> – Template:N/a
2023 "That's What Friends Are For" (with Duncan James) Template:Efn Template:N/a

Bibliography

See also

Notes

Template:Notelist

References

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