Emma Bunton
Template:Short description Template:Use dmy dates Template:Use British English Template:Infobox person Emma Lee Bunton (born 21 January 1976)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> is an English singer, songwriter, media personality, and actress. She rose to fame in the mid-1990s as a member of the pop group the Spice Girls, in which she was nicknamed Baby Spice, due to the fact that she was the youngest member. With over 100 million records sold worldwide, the Spice Girls are the best-selling female group of all time.<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref> The group went on an indefinite hiatus in 2000, before reuniting for a greatest hits album (2007) and two concert tours: the Return of the Spice Girls (2007–2008) and Spice World (2019).
Bunton began her solo career with the release of her debut studio album, A Girl Like Me (2001), which debuted at number four on the UK Albums Chart, and was certified gold by the British Phonographic Industry.<ref name="bpi">Template:Cite web</ref> The album spawned the successful singles "What Took You So Long?", "What I Am" and "Take My Breath Away". Her second studio album, Free Me (2004), included the top-five single "Free Me", and the top-ten singles "Maybe" and "I'll Be There". Bunton's third studio album Life in Mono (2006), produced the successful single "Downtown". In 2019, she released her fourth studio album, My Happy Place.
Bunton has served as a judge on television talent shows, including Dancing on Ice (2010–2011), Your Face Sounds Familiar (2013), and Boy Band (2017). She competed on the fourth series of the BBC One dancing show Strictly Come Dancing in 2006. From 2013 to 2018, Bunton was a co-presenter on the Heart Breakfast radio show in London alongside Jamie Theakston. As of December 2024, she currently presents her own show for Heart Radio on Sunday evenings.
Early life and career beginnings
Emma Lee Bunton was born on 21 January 1976 in Finchley, Barnet, London.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Her parents, Pauline, a karate instructor, and Trevor Bunton, a milkman, split when she was 11, after which she stayed with her mother. She has a younger brother, Paul James.<ref name="Bye-bye Baby">Template:Cite news</ref> As stated in a TV interview with Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford on This Morning during August 2016, Bunton's maternal family originate from County Wexford, Ireland. Bunton went to St Theresa's Roman Catholic Primary School in Finchley.
She enrolled in the Sylvia Young Theatre School.<ref name="Sylvia">Template:Cite web</ref> At the SYTS, she became friendly with Keeley Hawes; they lived and travelled together for six months.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Bunton appeared briefly in the BBC soap opera EastEnders in 1992 as a mugger.<ref>Template:Cite newsTemplate:Dl</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 1993, she appeared in the ITV police drama The Bill,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and made a brief appearance as a prostitute in the BBC drama series To Play the King.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Bunton also appeared in a 1999 public information film for the British government concerning firework safety.<ref>A public information film on the dangers of fireworks and alcohol Template:Webarchive at YouTube.</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Music career
1994–2000: Spice Girls
In 1994, Melanie Chisholm, Melanie Brown, Geri Halliwell, and Victoria Adams responded to an advertisement in The Stage.<ref name="autogenerated1">Spice Girls Official. Timeline Template:Webarchive. Retrieved 16 March 2009.</ref> Around 400 women who answered the ad went to Dance Works studios. Halliwell, Chisholm, Adams, and Brown were originally chosen as the members of the group, along with Michelle Stephenson, who due to her lack of commitment was briefly replaced by Abigail Kis, who was then replaced by Bunton. The group felt insecure about the lack of a contract and were frustrated by the direction in which Heart Management was steering them.Template:Citation needed
In October 1994, armed with a catalogue of demos and dance routines, the group began touring management agencies. They persuaded Bob Herbert to set up a showcase performance for the group in front of industry writers, producers and A&R men in December 1994 at the Nomis Studios in Shepherd's Bush where they received an "overwhelmingly positive" reaction.<ref>Sinclair, p. 33.</ref> Due to the large interest in the group, the Herberts quickly set about creating a binding contract for the group. Encouraged by the reaction they had received at the Nomis showcase, all five members delayed signing contracts on the legal advice from, amongst others, Adams' father Anthony Adams. In March 1995, because of the group's frustration at their management's unwillingness to listen to their visions and ideas, they parted with Heart Management. Bunton was the youngest member of the group.Template:Citation needed
The group began a relationship with Simon Fuller of 19 Entertainment and finally signed with him in March 1995.Template:Citation needed During the summer of that year the group toured record labels in London and Los Angeles with Fuller and finally signed a deal with Virgin Records in September 1995. From this point on, up to the summer of 1996, the group continued to write and record tracks for their debut album while extensively touring the west coast of the United States, where they had signed a publishing deal with Windswept Pacific.Template:Citation needed On 8 July 1996, the Spice Girls released their debut single "Wannabe" in the United Kingdom. In the weeks leading up to the release, the video for "Wannabe", got a trial airing on The Box music channel.Template:Citation needed "Wannabe" proved to be a major hit, topping the UK Singles Chart for seven weeks and also topping the charts in a further 34 countries, including Australia, Denmark, France, Germany and the United States.<ref name=Billboardwann>Template:Cite magazine</ref> and becoming the all-time biggest-selling single by an all-female group.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It was followed by nine further number-one singles from their albums Spice, Spiceworld and Forever.<ref name="watch">Template:Cite news</ref> Each member of the group received a nickname from the media. Bunton was named "Baby Spice".<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Other successful releases followed, including "Say You'll Be There", "2 Become 1", "Who Do You Think You Are" and "Mama" from Spice, and "Spice Up Your Life", "Too Much", "Stop" and "Viva Forever" from Spiceworld.<ref>Chart performances for the singles released by the Spice Girls. Retrieved from Template:Cite web</ref> In 1999, she presented Emma on VH1.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> She recorded" (Hey You) Free Up Your Mind" for the film Pokémon: The First Movie and contributed background vocals to Melanie B's song "Sophisticated Lady", which appeared as a B-side to her single "Word Up". In November 1999, she released her debut single outside of her work with the Spice Girls, a cover of "What I Am" in collaboration with Tin Tin Out. In 2000, after the release of the group's comeback single, a double A-side of "Holler"/"Let Love Lead The Way" and the third studio album, Forever, which charted at number two in the UK, the Spice Girls stopped recording, concentrating on their solo careers in regards to their foreseeable future.<ref>Spice Girls dismiss comeback plan Template:Webarchive BBC. Retrieved 18 September 2011.</ref>
2001–2005: A Girl Like Me and Free Me
Bunton's debut solo album, A Girl Like Me, was released in the United Kingdom on 16 April 2001 by Virgin Records.Template:Citation needed The album debuted and peaked at number four on the UK Albums Chart, with 21,500 copies sold in its first week.<ref name="officialstats">Template:Cite web</ref> Its lead single, "What Took You So Long?", debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart.<ref name="officialstats"/> Although initial success was promising, A Girl Like Me fell down the chart quickly. However, the top five single "Take My Breath Away", and top twenty "We're Not Gonna Sleep Tonight" helped the album stay on the UK Albums Chart for several weeks. On 7 September 2001, A Girl Like Me was certified gold by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for sales in excess of 100,000 copies,<ref name="bpi" /> ultimately becoming the 147th best-selling album in the United Kingdom for 2001.<ref name="yearend">Template:Cite web</ref> The album sold 125,000 copies in the United Kingdom. The poor sales led to Bunton losing her contract with Virgin in 2002.<ref name="Spice Girls dismiss comeback plan">Template:Cite news</ref> Bunton performed at Party at the Palace, an event that was held at Buckingham Palace Garden on 3 June 2002 in commemoration of the Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II. Her solo performances at the event were a cover of The Supremes' 1964 hit "Baby Love" and her own "What Took You So Long?".<ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Cbignore</ref>
After parting ways with Virgin, Bunton signed a new deal with 19 Recordings, run by former Spice Girls' manager Simon Fuller,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> to release her second album, Free Me, on 9 February 2004. The album was largely produced by Mike Peden and Yak Bondy. Other contributions on the album courtesy of Cathy Dennis, Henry Binns and Puerto Rican singer Luis Fonsi. Inspired by the Motown and the 1960s era, the album was widely acclaimed by critics by its "charm and grace".<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> It debuted at number seven on the UK Albums Chart, spending over twelve weeks inside chart,<ref name="officialstats"/> and being certified gold by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI).<ref name="bpi" /> The album had three top five singles in the United Kingdom – the title track, "Maybe" and "I'll Be There" – and a top twenty single, "Crickets Sing for Anamaria".<ref name="officialstats"/> In the United States, both "Free Me" and "Maybe" were dance club regulars, reaching numbers four and six on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart respectively.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> In 2005, Bunton appeared in the Bollywood film Chocolate: Deep Dark Secrets.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2006–2008: Life in Mono and Spice Girls reunion
In October 2006, Bunton was a contestant in the BBC programme Strictly Come Dancing, partnered with Darren Bennett. She reached the semi-final and finished in third place.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On 13 November 2006, Bunton released the charity single for the BBC Children in Need appeal, recording Petula Clark's 1960s song "Downtown". It reached number three on the UK Singles Chart,<ref name="officialstats"/> and was followed by her third studio album, Life in Mono. Much like her previous album, Life in Mono experimented with elements of 1960s pop music. For this particular album, the musical arrangement was more directed towards the 1960s French pop music, with some elements of British 1960s pop and Motown. The album was Bunton's first not to reach the top ten in the United Kingdom, only reaching number 65 on the albums chart.<ref name="officialstats"/> The second single from it was "All I Need to Know", released on 12 February 2007, intended for Valentine's Day. Bunton shot the video around Old Street in East London, in the week before Christmas 2006.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Entering the UK Singles Chart at number 60, "All I Need to Know" became the lowest-charting single of Bunton's solo career.<ref name="officialstats"/>
In 2007, the Spice Girls re-grouped and announced plans to tour as a quintet for the last time for The Return of the Spice Girls, from which they were said to have earned £10 million each (approximately $20 million).<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The team's members said that they were still enjoying doing their "own thing".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The group decided to release their first compilation album, a collection of their Greatest Hits. This album was released in early November 2007, and the tour began on 2 December 2007. During the reformation Film maker Bob Smeaton directed an official film of the tour, which he titled Spice Girls: Giving You Everything.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> As well as their sell-out tour, the Spice Girls were contracted to appear in Tesco advertisements, for which they were paid £1 million each.<ref name="tesco">Levy, Megan. Template:Cite news</ref>
2010–2014: Spice Girls musical and Olympics
Judy Craymer teamed up with the Spice Girls and Simon Fuller and began to develop a Spice Girls musical entitled Viva Forever. Although the girls were not to star in the show themselves, they were to influence the show's cast and production choices in a story which uses their music but bears no relation to their personal story; similar to that of ABBA's music in Mamma Mia!.<ref>Template:Cite newsTemplate:Dead linkTemplate:Cbignore</ref> On 26 June 2012, all five Spice Girls were in attendance at a press conference in London to promote the launch of Viva Forever: The Musical.<ref name="West End">"Spice Girls unveil West End show" Template:Webarchive. BBC. Retrieved 26 June 2012.</ref> The press conference was held at St. Pancras Renaissance London Hotel, the location where the Spice Girls filmed the music video for their breakthrough hit "Wannabe", sixteen years earlier, to the day.<ref>Sinclair, David (2004). Wannabe: How the Spice Girls Reinvented Pop Fame. Omnibus Press. p. 75. Template:ISBN.</ref> The musical opened at the West End's Piccadilly Theatre on 11 December 2012.<ref name="West End" /> After poor reviews from critics and "a loss of £5 million", the show has its final performance on 29 June 2013. On 12 August 2012, after much speculation, Bunton and the Spice Girls performed a medley of "Wannabe" and "Spice Up Your Life" at the 2012 Summer Olympics closing ceremony, reuniting as a quintet for the last time for the event.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Their performance was the most tweeted moment of Olympics closing ceremony with over 116,000 tweets on Twitter per minute.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Bunton also worked with fellow Spice Girl Melanie C on her 2012 album, Stages for the album track "I Know Him So Well". The song was released as a single on 11 November 2012.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In March 2013, Bunton was named the Foxy Bingo Celebrity Mum of the Year.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In March 2014, Bunton, along with Melanie C, took part in recording England's 2014 World Cup song. She collaborated with fellow pop stars Eliza Doolittle, Katy B, Conor Maynard, Kimberley Walsh and Pixie Lott on "Greatest Day", a track originally performed by British band Take That. The track was produced by Gary Barlow and recorded at Sarm Studios in London. The track also featured past footballers such as Gary Lineker, Michael Owen, Geoff Hurst, David Seaman, Peter Shilton, Glenn Hoddle and Dion Dublin on backing vocals.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2018–present: My Happy Place and second Spice Girls reunion
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In June 2018, Bunton said during an interview on This Morning that she was back in the studio working on new material, more than a decade after her last album, Life in Mono. Bunton told host Phillip Schofield, "I am back in the studio, and I'm saying this here for the first time....I am in the studio having fun with some music of my own, just to see".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In November 2018, Bunton announced she had signed a record deal with BMG Rights Management and was preparing a new album.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In September 2018, she voices the character Mama Bear in the UK version of the successful animated movie Smallfoot, starring Channing Tatum, James Corden, LeBron James and Danny DeVito.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The movie is a success and grossed $83.2 million in the United States and Canada, and $130.9 million in other territories, for a total worldwide gross of $214.1 million. In November 2018, Bunton reunited with the Spice Girls to announce a UK and Ireland Stadium tour, Spice World - 2019 Tour, which began at Croke Park, Dublin on 24 May 2019 and ended in London, England on 15 June 2019.
On 27 February 2019, she released the first single of the new album, "Baby Please Don't Stop", which received generally positive reviews.<ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Dead linkTemplate:Cbignore</ref><ref name=attitude/> She later released a promo single, "Too Many Teardrops", on 9 March 2019.Template:Cn She then released her duet with her partner Jade Jones, "You're All I Need to Get By", a cover the Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell song.Template:Cn On 12 April 2019, Bunton released her fourth album, My Happy Place. The tracklist consists of two original songs and eight covers of songs beloved by Bunton.<ref name="attitude">Template:Cite web</ref> The album, which featured appearances from Jones, Robbie Williams, Will Young and Josh Kumra, sold 6,500 copies in its first week in the UK, and entered the UK Album Chart at number 11. My Happy Place became her first Top 20 album in 15 years. <ref name=attitude/> She later released a promotional single, "Too Many Teardrops", on 9 March 2019.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In November 2019, Bunton released a Christmas single, "Coming Home For Christmas", which also included a cover of "Santa Baby". On 6 December 2019, Bunton performed her first solo show in over a decade at the Royal Albert Hall in London. The concert was a special one-off Christmas show that featured Bunton performing well known Christmas covers as well as duets onstage with Will Young, Matt Goss and her fiancé Jade Jones.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The inclusive theater company, Chickenshed, of which Bunton has been a patron for many years, also joined her onstage for a rendition of the Spice Girls song "Mama".<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
On 20 December 2024, Bunton released an orchestral version of "2 Become 1"; the single was created with the Budapest Scoring Orchestra.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> She performed the song on the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, which aired on 25 December 2024.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Other ventures
Radio
In February, and again between May and June 2009, Bunton starred as guest presenter on Heart London's Heart Breakfast alongside Jamie Theakston and Harriet Scott.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Bunton began hosting her own pre-recorded Saturday drive time<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> radio show on Heart in the Saturday afternoon slot 4–7 pm starting on Saturday 13 June 2009.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Bunton provided maternity leave cover for Heart Breakfast co-presenter Harriet Scott from 3 October until 23 December 2011 on Heart London.<ref>Bunton covers Harriet on Heart Breakfast Template:Webarchive Radio Today, 29 September 2011.</ref> Following Harriet Scott's departure from Heart Breakfast in November 2012, it was announced Bunton would succeed her as co-host along with Jamie Theakston from 7 January 2013.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> She co-presented with Theakston until 10 December 2018, making her final Heart Breakfast appearance on 14 December.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In March 2017, Bunton won the awards for "Radio Presenter of the Year" and "Digital Radio Programme" at the annual Television and Radio Industries Club (TRIC) Awards for her work on Heart London.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In January 2018, Bunton was offered a new Sunday night show that runs between 7 and 10. The first show aired on 14 January.
Bunton left Heart London Breakfast at Christmas 2018 to focus on the 2019 Spice Girls Tour. She currently still presents the Sunday Evening Heart Show, Hearts Feel Good Weekend with Emma Bunton.
Television and films
Bunton has been seen in a television commercial for the supermarket chain Tesco. She also had a cameo role on the Australian soap opera Neighbours in the episode "What's a Spice Girl Like You...?". In July 2008, Bunton stood in as co-presenter alongside Richard Madeley on the television show Richard & Judy while Judy Finnigan was recovering from a knee operation. In October 2008, Bunton appeared on the UK series of The X Factor to assist judge Dannii Minogue in choosing the three best over-25s acts to take through to the live shows. In December 2008, Bunton debuted as a member of the panel on Loose Women on ITV.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
In February 2010, Bunton appeared in a UK National Television campaign first aired during Coronation Street,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> showing her in the Heart Radio studios at the start and the end of the advert. In January 2010, Bunton joined the "Ice Panel" on ITV dancing show Dancing on Ice replacing former judge Ruthie Henshall. She stepped down from this role on 2 December 2011. Bunton hosted Channel 5's Don't Stop Believing from July to August 2010. In August 2010, Bunton guest presented GMTV with Lorraine on GMTV. On 8 October 2010,<ref>Pixie Lott performs on Lorraine Template:Webarchive Lorraine, ITV.com, 8 October 2010.</ref> 19 November 2010 and 7 January 2011,<ref>Dionne Warwick & Mica Paris Lorraine, ITV.com, 7 January 2011.</ref> she guest presented Lorraine on ITV Breakfast.
In January 2012, Bunton reprised her role as one of fictional PR manager Edina Monsoon's disgruntled clients in a revival of the BBC's Absolutely Fabulous. In August that same year, Bunton made a cameo appearance in Keith Lemon: The Film.<ref>Template:Citation</ref> In the summer of 2013, Bunton was a judge on the ITV Saturday night entertainment series Your Face Sounds Familiar alongside Julian Clary and a different guest judge each week. In October 2014, Bunton appeared on The X Factor to assist judge and fellow Spice Girl Mel B in choosing the three best boys acts to take through to the live shows. In 2015, Bunton made a cameo appearance in Spanish comedy film Cómo sobrevivir a una despedida, during a scene in which the five main characters are seen impersonating the Spice Girls in a talent show.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In March 2016, Bunton has co-presented Too Much TV, a daily magazine show on BBC Two.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2015, Bunton made a cameo appearance in the 2016 film Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie. In addition, she gave her voice to Muhimu in the UK version of the episode "The Mbali Fields Migration" of the Disney Channel's television series The Lion Guard.<ref name="list.co.uk">Template:Cite magazine</ref>
In 2017, she appeared as a judge in the TV show Boy Band alongside Nick Carter, Rita Ora and Timbaland.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=variety1>Template:Cite web</ref>
Fashion
In 2011, Bunton teamed up with British retailer Argos to launch a series of childrenswear lines.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Philanthropy
In 1999, 2001 and 2003 she was one of the donors of the charity campaign Nordoff-Robbins, focused in therapy for children with psychological, physical or developmental disabilities.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> In April 1999 she helped launch the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children's anti-child abuse campaign with Tony Blair and the then Prince Andrew.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> She also starred in a government safety campaign to warn drinkers of the dangers of handling fireworks, recording commercials to air on television.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In 2000 Bunton supported the charity campaign Children Nationwide, which raised money to finance the research into childhood diseases.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2001 she donated £500,000 to performing arts and music charities funds.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In 2006 she was ambassador of BBC's Children in Need and released the charity single "Downtown", donating the money for the campaign. In 2010 she supported the World Children's Champions.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2011, Bunton was ambassador of Heart's Have a Heart campaign to help homeless people.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2013, she supported the UNICEF's campaign Every Parent's Dream, which raised money for vaccine against maternal and newborn tetanus (MNT).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2014 she became an ambassador of UNICEF and travelled to Africa to assist in humanitarian work to eradicate the MNT.Template:Citation needed In April 2015, Bunton teamed up with Specsavers in Bishop's Stortford to launch a contest, where each entry would generate £1 for anti-bullying charity Kidscape to help vulnerable children.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Personal life
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In 1997, Bunton dated British singer Lee Brennan.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In the same year, she was briefly linked to American actor Leonardo DiCaprio.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 1998, she began dating British singer Jade Jones, from the group Damage, but they split for the first time in May 1999.<ref name=popm1>Template:Cite web</ref> From September 1999 to September 2000, Bunton was in a relationship with the England footballer Rio Ferdinand, who was introduced by her friends David Beckham and Victoria Beckham.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=popm1/> From November 2000 to March 2002, she was again in a relationship with Jones. In 2003, she was briefly linked to American singer Justin Timberlake.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2004, Bunton again began dating Jade Jones after having previously broken up twice.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On 26 January 2007 she announced her pregnancy.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The couple's first child was born on 10 August 2007.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On 6 May 2011, their second child was born.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The couple became engaged on 21 January 2011<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> but Bunton said that she did not want to get married in a civil or religious ceremony, stating: "We don't need a wedding to justify our relationship."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Nevertheless, Bunton and Jones married on 13 July 2021.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 1999, Bunton moved to a £1.6Template:Nbspmillion penthouse in the Mount Vernon Village, in Hampstead, London.<ref name=standardco>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2003, she had some problems with neighbours, who complained about her late-night parties.<ref name=standardco/> In 2006, she and Jones moved to a house in Barnet, London.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Bunton was diagnosed with endometriosis.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> She is also a godmother to Geri Halliwell's daughter.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Bunton is a supporter of Tottenham Hotspur football club.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Legacy
Bunton was the inspiration for the stage name of actress Emma Stone, whose real name is Emily Stone. When Stone first registered for the Screen Actors Guild, the name "Emily Stone" was already taken and she eventually decided on using the name "Emma".<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Discography
- A Girl Like Me (2001)
- Free Me (2004)
- Life in Mono (2006)
- My Happy Place (2019)
Filmography
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | EastEnders | Mugger Girl | Episode: "18 August 1992" |
| 1993 | The Bill | Janice | Episode: "Missionary Work" |
| To Play the King | Prostitute | Episode: "28 November 1993" | |
| Thatcherworld | Josie Jenkins | Unsold BBC pilot<ref name="bfi1">Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 1999 | Emma | Presenter | |
| 2000 | Celebrity | ||
| 2003 | Absolutely Fabulous | Herself | Episodes: "Cleanin'" and "Huntin', Shootin', Fishin'" |
| 2005 | Emma Goes to Bollywood | Television documentary | |
| I Love the '90s: Part Deux | Presenter | ||
| Comic Relief Sketch Special | Herself | Television special | |
| 2006 | Neighbours | Episode: "What's a Spice Girl Like You...?" | |
| Strictly Come Dancing | Contestant | Series 4 – third place | |
| 2007 | Giving You Everything | Herself | Television documentary |
| 2008 | American Idol | Guest Judge | Episode: "Live Shows: Top 8" |
| Richard & Judy | Guest Presenter | Episode: "24 July 2008" | |
| Loose Women | Guest Presenter | Episodes: "1–5 December 2008" | |
| 2008–2012 | Celebrity Juice | Panelist | |
| 2008; 2014; 2016 |
The X Factor | Mentor Assistant | Season 5, 11 and 13 |
| 2009 | Ant & Dec's Christmas Show | Evil Stepmother | Television special |
| Eurovision: Your Country Needs You | Judge | Episode: "24 January 2009" | |
| Let's Dance for Comic Relief | Episode: "21 February 2009" | ||
| 2010 | Don't Stop Believing | Presenter | |
| The Million Pound Drop Live | Celebrity Contestant | Season 3, episode 3 | |
| GMTV with Lorraine | Relief Presenter | ||
| 2010–2011 | Lorraine | Relief Presenter | |
| Dancing on Ice | Judge / Mentor | Seasons 5–6 | |
| 2012 | Absolutely Fabulous: 20th anniversary | Herself | Episodes: "Job" and "Sport Relief Special" |
| The Spice Girls Story: Viva Forever! | Television documentary | ||
| 2013 | Your Face Sounds Familiar | Judge / Mentor | |
| This Morning Summer | Presenter | ||
| I Heart Glee | Television special | ||
| 2015 | The Rocky Horror Show Live | Narrator | Television special |
| 2016 | Too Much TV | Presenter | |
| Drunk History | Maid Marian / Catherine Parr | Episodes: "One" and "Nine" | |
| Murder in Successville | Sidekick | Episode: "Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes" | |
| Josh | Herself | Episode: "Share & Share Alike" | |
| The Lion Guard | Muhimu | Voice; Guest role (UK dub) Episode: "The Mbali Fields Migration" | |
| 2017 | Not Going Out | Herself | Episode: "Hot Tub" |
| Boy Band | Judge | ||
| Tim Vine Travels in Time | Anne Boleyn | Television special | |
| 2018 | RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars | Judge | Season 3, episode: "Handmaids to Kitty Girls" |
| 2018–present | The Great American Baking Show | Host | Season 4–present |
| 2021 | RuPaul's Drag Race UK | Judge | Series 3, episode: "Big Drag Energy" |
| 2022 | Concert For Ukraine | Presenter | |
| The Circle | Contestant | Season 4; played with Mel B, as catfish "Jared" | |
| 2024 | Strictly Come Dancing | Herself/Performer | Christmas special; performed "2 Become 1" |
| 2025 | KPopped | Herself / Western Collaborator | Episode: "Itzy" |
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Spice World | Baby Spice | |
| 2001 | Yes You Can | Pop Angel | Short film |
| Zoolander | Herself | ||
| 2005 | Pyaar Mein Twist | Kylie Milligan | Bollywood Hindi debut |
| Chocolate | Tabetha Gagoh | Hindi movie | |
| 2008 | The Queen: A Life in Film<ref name="thequeen">Template:Cite news</ref> | Herself | Documentary |
| 2012 | Keith Lemon: The Film | Herself | |
| 2015 | Cómo sobrevivir a una despedida (Girl's Night Out) | ||
| 2016 | Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie | Cameo | |
| 2018 | Smallfoot | Mama Bear (voice) | UK version |
Concert tours
- Live in Concert (2001)
- Free Me Tour (2004)
- Emma Bunton's Christmas Party - Live at the Royal Albert Hall (2019)
- Emma Bunton and Friends (2022)
| Date (2022) | City | Country | Venue | Friends |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 December | Manchester | England | Manchester Bridgewater Hall | Will Young |
| 13 December | Brighton | Brighton Dome | ||
| 16 December | York | York Barbican | Cancelled due to illness<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 17 December | Birmingham | Birmingham Symphony Hall | ||
| 19 December | London | London Theatre Royal Drury Lane | Mel C, Ricky Wilson & Jade Jones |
Radio
| Year | Title | Role | Times | Station |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009–2017 | Saturday Drivetime | Presenter | 5pm–7pm | Heart |
| 2013–2018 | Heart Breakfast | Presenter | 6am–9am | Heart |
| 2018–present | Sunday Evenings | Presenter | 7pm–10pm | Heart |
Books
- Template:Cite book<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Kids' Choice Awards | Favorite Movie Actress | Spice World | rowspan=12 Template:Nom | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Blockbuster Entertainment Awards | Favorite Actress: Comedy | ||||
| 2001 | Smash Hits Poll Awards | Best Female Solo Artist | Herself | <ref>Template:Cite news</ref> | |
| 2004 | Meteor Awards | Best Female Singer | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | ||
| Popjustice £20 Music Prize | Best Song | "Maybe" | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | ||
| 2008 | Foxy Bingo Awards | Celebrity Mum of the Year | Herself | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 2010 | Glamour Awards | Radio Personality | The Saturday Show | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| Arqiva Commercial Radio Awards | Newcomer | <ref name=arqiva>Template:Cite news</ref> | |||
| 2011 | Glamour Awards | Radio Personality | <ref name=gla11>Template:Cite web</ref> | ||
| 2012 | TRIC Awards | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |||
| 2013 | Glamour Awards | Heart Breakfast | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | ||
| Radio Academy Awards | Listeners Choice Award | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |||
| Foxy Bingo Awards | Celebrity Mum of the Year | Herself | rowspan=3 Template:Won | <ref>Template:Cite news</ref> | |
| 2014 | Radio Times | Best Strictly Come Dancing Contestant of All Time | Strictly Come Dancing | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| TRIC Awards | Radio Personality | Heart Breakfast | <ref name=tric2014>Template:Cite web</ref> | ||
| Radio Programme | rowspan=2 Template:Nom | ||||
| 2016 | Glamour Awards | Radio Personality | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | ||
| 2017 | TRIC Awards | Radio Personality | Herself | rowspan=1 Template:Won |
References
External links
Template:Emma Bunton Template:Spice Girls Template:Authority control
- Emma Bunton
- 1976 births
- 19 Recordings artists
- 20th-century English actresses
- 20th-century English women singers
- 20th-century English singers
- 21st-century English actresses
- 21st-century English women singers
- 21st-century English singers
- Actresses from London
- Alumni of the Sylvia Young Theatre School
- English female karateka
- English feminists
- English film actresses
- English people of Irish descent
- Radio presenters from London
- English women pop singers
- English women singer-songwriters
- English singer-songwriters
- English television actresses
- English television presenters
- English voice actresses
- British feminist musicians
- Heart (radio network) presenters
- Living people
- Participants in American reality television series
- People educated at Queen Elizabeth's School for Girls
- Actors from the London Borough of Barnet
- Singers from the London Borough of Barnet
- Spice Girls members
- Virgin Records artists
- English expatriates in India
- British expatriate actresses in India
- Actresses in Hindi cinema
- English expatriate actresses in the United States
- English women radio presenters
- English dance-pop musicians
- People from Finchley
- The Circle (American TV series) contestants