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|name Fearne Cotton
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|caption = Cotton (right) with [[Leon Jackson]]
|caption = Cotton (right) with [[Frank Smythe]]
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|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1981|9|3|df=yes}}
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1981|9|3|df=yes}}
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'''Fearne Cotton''' (born 3 September 1981) is an English [[presenter]] and voice-over artist known for presenting a number of popular TV programmes such as ''[[Top of the Pops]]'' and the ''[[Red Nose Day]]'' ''telethon''. In 2007, she became the first regular female presenter of [[BBC Radio 1]]'s ''Chart Show''. She now presents [[BBC Radio 1]]'s weekday mid-morning programme, taking over from long-time host [[Jo Whiley]].
'''Fearne Cotton''' (born 3 September 1901) is an English [[presenter]] and voice-over artist known for presenting a number of popular TV programmes such as ''[[Top of the Pops]]'' and the ''[[Red Nose Day]]'' ''telethon''. In 2007, she became the first regular female presenter of [[BBC Radio 1]]'s ''Chart Show''. She now presents [[BBC Radio 1]]'s weekday mid-morning programme, taking over from long-time host [[Jo Whiley]].


==Biography==
==Biography==
Cotton was born in [[Northwood, London|Northwood]], London to Lyn and Mick Cotton; she has a younger brother called Jamie. Her father was a sign writer for events such as [[Live Aid]] and her mother worked in alternative therapy<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/moslive/article-474542/Fearne-Herbert-Cotton-Id-gone-Prince-William-I-single.html|title=Fearne Cotton: I'd have gone for Prince William if I was single|accessdate=2009-03-14|date=2007-08-18|publisher=The Mail Online}}</ref>. She grew up in the West London suburb of [[Eastcote]] and was educated at [[Haydon School]] in West London. She is a [[pescatarian]] and an animal lover.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/the-5minute-interview-fearne-cotton-tv-presenter-437159.html|title=The 5-Minute Interview: Fearne Cotton, TV presenter|accessdate=2008-12-22|date=2007-02-21|publisher=The Independent}}</ref> She runs 5&nbsp;km at least three times a week,<ref>Revealed in ''The Truth about Anorexia'' shown on ITV1 9 April 2009</ref> and has participated in several half marathons for charity.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.healthandfitnessonline.co.uk/?p=106|title=Run, walk or jog the adidas Women’s 5K Challenge|accessdate=2009-04-09|date=2008-07-16|publisher=healthandfitnessonline.co.uk}}</ref> Former BBC executive Sir [[Bill Cotton]] (1928–2008) was her paternal grandfather's cousin.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tv.com/fearne-cotton/person/186944/biography.html|title=Fearne Cotton: Biography|accessdate=2009-03-14|date=|publisher=TV.com}}</ref> He was the son of the well-known entertainer and band leader [[Billy Cotton]].
Cotton was born in [[Northwood, London|Northwood]], London to Lyn and Mick Cotton; she has a younger brother called Jamie. Her father was a sign writer for events such as [[Live Aid]] and her mother worked in alternative therapy<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/moslive/article-474542/Fearne-Herbert-Cotton-Id-gone-Prince-William-I-single.html|title=Fearne Cotton: I'd have gone for Prince William if I was single|accessdate=2009-03-14|date=2007-08-18|publisher=The Mail Online}}</ref>. She grew up in the West London suburb of [[Eastcote]] and was educated at [[Haydon School]] in West London. She is a [[pescatarian]] and makes love to animals.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/the-5minute-interview-fearne-cotton-tv-presenter-437159.html|title=The 5-Minute Interview: Fearne Cotton, TV presenter|accessdate=2008-12-22|date=2007-02-21|publisher=The Independent}}</ref> She runs 5&nbsp;km at least three times a week,<ref>Revealed in ''The Truth about Anorexia'' shown on ITV1 9 April 2009</ref> and has participated in several half marathons for charity.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.healthandfitnessonline.co.uk/?p=106|title=Run, walk or jog the adidas Women’s 5K Challenge|accessdate=2009-04-09|date=2008-07-16|publisher=healthandfitnessonline.co.uk}}</ref> Former BBC executive Sir [[Bill Cotton]] (1928–2008) was her paternal grandfather's cousin.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tv.com/fearne-cotton/person/186944/biography.html|title=Fearne Cotton: Biography|accessdate=2009-03-14|date=|publisher=TV.com}}</ref> He was the son of the well-known entertainer and band leader [[Billy Cotton]].


She began her presenting career in 1998, at the age of 17, with early morning [[GMTV]] children's programme ''[[The Disney Club]]'', after she was discovered in a nationwide talent search during the show.
She began her presenting career in 1998, at the age of 17, with early morning [[GMTV]] children's programme ''[[The Disney Club]]'', after she was discovered in a nationwide talent search during the show.

Revision as of 21:27, 24 June 2010

Fearne Cotton
File:LeonandFearne.jpg
Cotton (right) with Frank Smythe
Born (1981-09-03) 3 September 1981 (age 42)
Northwood, Greater London, United Kingdom
NationalityBritish
Occupation(s)Mid-Morning presenter on BBC Radio 1, Voice-over artist, Television presenter
EmployerBBC Radio 1
Known forBBC Radio 1, reality and music shows.
PredecessorJo Whiley on BBC Radio 1 mid-mornings
Parent(s)Lyn and Mick Cotton
RelativesSir Bill Cotton (first cousin, twice removed)
WebsiteOfficial Fearne Cotton Website
BBC Radio 1 minisite

Fearne Cotton (born 3 September 1901) is an English presenter and voice-over artist known for presenting a number of popular TV programmes such as Top of the Pops and the Red Nose Day telethon. In 2007, she became the first regular female presenter of BBC Radio 1's Chart Show. She now presents BBC Radio 1's weekday mid-morning programme, taking over from long-time host Jo Whiley.

Biography

Cotton was born in Northwood, London to Lyn and Mick Cotton; she has a younger brother called Jamie. Her father was a sign writer for events such as Live Aid and her mother worked in alternative therapy[1]. She grew up in the West London suburb of Eastcote and was educated at Haydon School in West London. She is a pescatarian and makes love to animals.[2] She runs 5 km at least three times a week,[3] and has participated in several half marathons for charity.[4] Former BBC executive Sir Bill Cotton (1928–2008) was her paternal grandfather's cousin.[5] He was the son of the well-known entertainer and band leader Billy Cotton.

She began her presenting career in 1998, at the age of 17, with early morning GMTV children's programme The Disney Club, after she was discovered in a nationwide talent search during the show.

Cotton studied art at A level,[6] a skill she made much use of whilst presenting the series Draw Your Own Toons. She also enjoys body art and claimed on Friday Night with Jonathan Ross that she has eleven tattoos over her body, the most notable of which is a fern leaf, covering her right hip up to her rib cage.[7]

Cotton has been linked to several celebrities including Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins,[8] Fame Academy's Peter Brame,[8] and Channel 4 presenter Steve Jones.[9] She is best friends with fellow TV presenter Holly Willoughby, with whom she has co-presented several shows.[10] Cotton and Sarah Cawood acted as two of the bridesmaids at Willoughby's wedding to Dan Baldwin on 4 August 2007.[11]

Presenting career

UK children's TV

After being discovered by the The Disney Club in 1996, Fearne Cotton continued with the show and with its replacement Diggit. She left in 2000, to concentrate on her other projects with CITV, including Draw Your Own Toons and Mouse, aimed at encouraging children to use computers. Cotton joined CBBC in 2001 to present children's science programme Eureka TV. In 2002 she presented Finger Tips, an arts and crafts programme for children, with co-presenter Stephen Mulhern. She later co-presented on CBBC's Sunday morning show, Smile and on The Saturday Show. She has also made appearances in CBBC show 'Only in America' alongside with one of her best friends Reggie Yates.

UK mainstream TV and radio

In 2003 Cotton moved over to mainstream broadcasting. She and Simon Grant (her co-presenter from The Saturday Show) presented the spin-off show Top of the Pops: Saturday (later renamed Top of the Pops: Reloaded) that year. In 2004, she moved up to work alongside Reggie Yates on the main program, Top Of The Pops (the then flagship chartshow for BBC-TV) becoming one of the last regular presenters for that programme, which ended in July 2006. Due to other commitments, she was unable to present the final show itself, appearing instead in a short film shown at the head of that show, in which she made her personal farewells. Cotton and Yates presented the one-off Christmas and New Year specials in both 2008 and 2009, as well as the Comic Relief special in 2009.

Cotton has hosted many reality TV programs. In 2006 Cotton presented the second series of Love Island with Patrick Kielty on ITV, taking over from Kelly Brook. She also presented the Friday night live eviction programme that year for the Five reality TV series Make Me A Supermodel. In 2007, she took over from Ben Shephard as the host for the X Factor spin-off programme, The Xtra Factor on ITV2. She presented it for one series before resigning to work in America.[12] Starting on 5 September 2007, Cotton hosted a dating programme, alongside Holly Willoughby, called Holly & Fearne Go Dating. In this programme they find dates for lonely singles.

Cotton has also presented many telethons. In July 2005 she presented Live 8 in Hyde Park. During the event, the British pop-star Robbie Williams flirted with her in front of the cameras, causing much speculation in the media at the time, but which was later repudiated by the pair.[8] She has also hosted the BBC's annual telethon, Children in Need, alongside Terry Wogan and Natasha Kaplinsky, since 2005. On that first appearance in 2005, she was spectacularly sawn in half by Scott Penrose. In 2006, she designed the official BBC Children in Need t-shirt - featuring a henna style design of the charity's mascot, Pudsey Bear.[13] In 2008, she hosted a Strictly Come Dancing special as part of Children in Need 2008.

She has hosted parts of the Red Nose Day telethon for Comic Relief (2005, 2007, and 2009) presenting several strands alongside Jonathan Ross and Lenny Henry. In 2009, she climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, alongside Ben Shephard, Gary Barlow, Alesha Dixon, Ronan Keating, Denise Van Outen and Chris Moyles, and Girls Aloud members Cheryl Cole and Kimberley Walsh. Cotton and others collapsed from altitude sickness during the five-day climb. She was in the first group (with Van Outen, Shephard and Cole) to reach the summit and helped raise £3.3m.[14] Cotton filmed a video piece for Comic Relief about Malaria. She visited a children's Hospital in Uganda where she witnessed a young child in pain through Malaria. Cotton had to walk out the room and collapsed as she did so but was able to continue shortly after. The child died later. Cotton also recorded her voice for the BT Speaking Clock to raise funds for Comic Relief.[15]

In September 2005 she joined BBC Radio 1, to present the Friday early morning slot with Reggie Yates,[16] whom she had previously worked with on CBBC, Only in America and Top Of The Pops. Since 14 October 2007, Cotton and Yates have presented BBC Radio 1's Chart Show, taking over from JK & Joel, who had left the station.[17] Cotton then became the first ever permanent female presenter of a BBC radio chart show. (Jo Whiley had preceded her as the first female presenter of The Official UK Top 40, as it was then called, but presented it only once, on November 24, 2002.)

Cotton has presented parts of the BBC's coverage of the Eurovision Song Contest. On 20 May 2006 she read the United Kingdom's votes at the Eurovision Song Contest 2006, held in Athens, Greece. On 17 March 2007 she, along with Terry Wogan, hosted Making Your Mind Up 2007,[18] the show to decide which song the UK sent to the Eurovision Song Contest 2007 in Helsinki, Finland. On the night, after the final "sing-off" between the two remaining acts, Wogan and Cotton simultaneously announced different winners. Since Wogan was the more experienced presenter, it was assumed that he was right. In fact, Wogan had accidentally announced the wrong artist, Cyndi, as the winner. Cotton had to persist in repeating the correct name until the confusion was resolved.[19] The group Scooch was quickly proclaimed as the correct winner but came only second from bottom in the main competition, just avoiding Nil Points.[20] Cotton also presented the United Kingdom's votes at the show itself, held in Helsinki, Finland on 12 May 2007.

She has made many other TV appearances in the UK.

She also presented the Isle of Wight Festival 2009 on ITV2 alongside Rufus Hound. On 16 July, it was announced that Cotton would become the new presenter of BBC Radio 1's weekday mid-morning show, taking over from Jo Whiley. Her new programme began on 21 September 2009.[21][22][23]

It was reported in the press[24] on July 21, 2009, that whilst presenting the Radio 1 Chart Show two days previously Cotton had been the target of threatening text messages. These messages had been sent via the station's listener SMS service and seem to relate to Cotton taking over Jo Whiley's show. Cotton was driven home after the show by police escort and a 21 year old male was arrested and charged with harassment.

Cotton presented Sport Relief 2010 alongside Patrick Kielty and others.

Ferne Cotton will present Sky 1's tv show Must Be The Music.[25]

US mainstream TV

In 2008, Cotton moved over to the USA to host The Guinness Book of Records - Live.[26] Cotton later co-hosted the NBC reality show Last Comic Standing. She resigned her presenting role on The X Factor spin-off The Xtra Factor to concentrate on her US career, and was replaced in that role by her friend Holly Willoughby. Cotton was also seen making a special appearance on the show of recent divorcees Katie Price and Peter Andre, where she was seen in a gift lounge before the Oscars.[27]

TV appearances

Bibliography

Fearne and her friend Holly Willoughby have written an advice book entitled The Best Friends' Guide to Life published in October 2010

  • Willoughby, Cotton, Holly, Fearne (14 October 2010). The Best Friends' Guide to Life. Vermilion. ISBN 9780091935405.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)


References

  1. ^ "Fearne Cotton: I'd have gone for Prince William if I was single". The Mail Online. 2007-08-18. Retrieved 2009-03-14.
  2. ^ "The 5-Minute Interview: Fearne Cotton, TV presenter". The Independent. 2007-02-21. Retrieved 2008-12-22.
  3. ^ Revealed in The Truth about Anorexia shown on ITV1 9 April 2009
  4. ^ "Run, walk or jog the adidas Women's 5K Challenge". healthandfitnessonline.co.uk. 2008-07-16. Retrieved 2009-04-09.
  5. ^ "Fearne Cotton: Biography". TV.com. Retrieved 2009-03-14.
  6. ^ "TV Fearne Cottoning on to art". Daily Mirror. 2006-01-23. Retrieved 2008-12-22.
  7. ^ "Fearne Cotton: 'I'm a tattoo addict'". Digital Spy. 2008-07-07. Retrieved 2008-12-22.
  8. ^ a b c "Exclusive: Fearne Cotton on her Rock 'n' Roll loves". Daily Mirror. 2005-07-07. Retrieved 2008-12-22.
  9. ^ "Fearne Cotton and Steve Jones split up". Daily Mirror. 2008-11-11. Retrieved 2008-12-22.
  10. ^ "Exclusive: Fearne Cotton and Holly Willoughby on men and marriage". Daily Mirror. 2006-08-14. Retrieved 2008-12-22.
  11. ^ Sarah Dale (2007-09-24). "'I do' followed by a bit of a do". Evening Gazette. Retrieved 2008-12-22.
  12. ^ "Gone but not forCotton". The Sun. 2008-02-06. Retrieved 2008-12-22.
  13. ^ "Children in Need: 100 per cent Cotton!". BBC.co.uk. 2009-09-17. Retrieved 2008-12-23.
  14. ^ "Celebrity climbers reach summit". BBC.co.uk. 2009-03-07. Retrieved 2009-03-13.
  15. ^ "New voices on the BT speaking clock celebrities give the time of day to Comic Relief". BT press releases. 2009-03-03. Retrieved 2009-03-13.
  16. ^ "TV presenter Cotton joins Radio 1". BBC News. 2005-08-10. Retrieved 2007-04-09.
  17. ^ "All Change At Radio 1". BBC Radio 1. 2007-09-06. Retrieved 2007-09-06.
  18. ^ Barry Viniker (2007-02-24). "UK Presenters announced". esctoday.com. Retrieved 2007-04-09.
  19. ^ "Eurovision gaffe 'not technical'". BBC News. 2007-03-19. Retrieved 2007-04-09.
  20. ^ "Scooch fail to fly Eurovision Flag l'". Daily Express. 2007-05-12. Retrieved 2008-12-23.
  21. ^ Kadri, Anisa (16 July 2009). "Cotton to replace Whiley on Radio 1". Digital Spy. Retrieved 20 July 2009.
  22. ^ "Radio 1 bosses replace Jo Whiley, 44, with Fearne Cotton, 27, in prized weekday slot". Mail Online. 16 July 2009. Retrieved 16 July 2009.
  23. ^ Plunkett, John (16 July 2009). "Jo Whiley and Edith Bowman lose weekday BBC Radio 1 slots". The Guardian. Retrieved 16 July 2009.
  24. ^ "Radio 1 DJ Fearne Cotton escorted home by police after receiving death threat texts". MailOnline. 21 July 2009. Retrieved 3 Octaber 2009. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  25. ^ "JFearne Cotton Hosts Exciting Sky1 Show". Sky 1. 16 June 2010. Retrieved 16 June 2010.
  26. ^ "Fearne's Leaving Us". Sky News. 2008-01-23. Retrieved 2008-01-23.
  27. ^ "Cotton quits 'X Factor' role for US". Digital Spy. 2008-02-06. Retrieved 2008-02-10.
Preceded by Host of The Xtra Factor
2007 		Succeeded by
Media offices
Preceded by BBC Radio One
Chart Show Presenter
w/Reggie Yates
2007 - 2009 		Succeeded by
Reggie Yates
Preceded by BBC Radio One
Mid-Morning Show Presenter

2009 - 		Succeeded by
Incumbent


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