Best known as the youngest member of Bucks Fizz, Jay Aston talks about her days in the band alongside Cheryl Baker, Mike Nolan and Bobby G, the infamous coach crash that changed all their lives, being single until her late 30s, believing The Land of Make Believe is a place we would all be happier to live in – and why she’s finally singing with Cheryl Baker again…
Jay was just 19 when Bucks Fizz won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1981 with Making Your Mind Up, complete with one of the most memorable costume reveals in Eurovision history. What followed was extraordinary: number-one singles, millions of records sold and international fame – but behind the smiles and sequins, life looked very different.
Jay tells Siobhan about the devastating 1984 coach crash that left bandmate Mike Nolan fighting for his life and ultimately contributed to her decision to walk away from Bucks Fizz. She reveals how, at just 23, she found herself caught up in 13 lawsuits, lost her home and discovered just how little money the band members were actually making from their huge record sales.
She also opens up about her life away from the spotlight: meeting her husband David in her 30s, his wonderfully low-key proposal, why their marriage has lasted and why romance for them can be as simple as walking the dogs or sitting together with a glass of wine.
Jay also speaks candidly about her 2018 mouth cancer diagnosis, the subtle warning sign on her tongue that eventually led to major surgery, and why the experience changed the way she thinks about health, ageing, Botox and cosmetic treatments.
Plus, Jay reveals how a phone call from Cheryl brought her back to The Fizz, whether her daughter might follow her into showbusiness, the £20 stage costume that almost launched a Topshop fashion career, and the piece of advice she has carried with her since childhood: take risks, because chances are you’ll never regret them.
And, of course, Jay takes on the Suddenly Single Honesty Box of Truth – from Eurovision versus Top of the Pops to her favourite Bucks Fizz song and the career moment she would most love to experience all over again.
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CHAPTERS
00:00 – Introducing Jay Aston ✨
00:45 – The Audition That Changed Everything
03:05 – The Story Behind Those Famous Rip-Off Skirts 💃
04:35 – Bucks Fizz: From Eurovision to Global Success
06:05 – Dating as a Young Pop Star ❤️
06:50 – The Terrifying Bucks Fizz Coach Crash
08:15 – Why Jay Walked Away From the Band
10:05 – Finding Love Later in Life
11:10 – How Jay Met Her Husband David ❤️
13:15 – Will Jay’s Daughter Follow Her Into Music?
15:20 – Botox, Fillers and Growing Older
16:30 – Jay’s Mouth Cancer Diagnosis
18:00 – Losing Part of Her Tongue to Cancer
19:35 – The Phone Call That Brought Jay Back to The Fizz
22:00 – The Truth About Why Jay Left Bucks Fizz
23:05 – How Little Bucks Fizz Actually Earned 😲
25:25 – The Suddenly Single Honesty Box 📦
28:00 – The £20 Outfit That Led to a Topshop Offer
32:00 – Jay’s Secret to a Lasting Marriage ❤️
34:15 – The Career Moment Jay Would Relive 🏆
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