Rachel Stevens
Rachel Lauren Stevens (born 9 April 1978) is an English singer, businesswoman, model and actress. She has been a member of the pop group S Club, which was active from 1998 to 2003, and has reformed once again since 2023. She released her solo debut studio album Funky Dory in September 2003. The album reached number nine on the UK album chart and the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) awarded it with a gold certification in October 2003. Two singles, "Sweet Dreams My L.A. Ex" and "Funky Dory", were initially released from the album: "Sweet Dreams My L.A. Ex" peaked at number two in the UK and received a silver certification from the BPI.
For the American sculptor, see Rachel Stevens (sculptor). For the American actress, see Rachel Stephens.
Rachel Stevens
- Singer
- businesswoman
- actress
- model
1993–present
2
Vocals
In July 2004, Stevens released the single "Some Girls" as a charity record for Sport Relief, and the single's success prompted Polydor to re-issue Funky Dory with three new songs.[1] Come and Get It, her second studio album, was released in October 2005. It peaked at No. 28 in the UK, and two of its three singles reached the Top 10.[2] Following the release, Stevens took an extended hiatus from her music career.
In 2008, she came second in the sixth series of the BBC One series Strictly Come Dancing with her dance partner Vincent Simone. In 2013, she was a mentor assistant on The X Factor New Zealand. In 2014 she was awarded FHM's sexiest woman of all time.[3] Stevens became one of the coaches in the 4th season of RTE's The Voice of Ireland. Stevens' version of the song "More, More, More" has been used in adverts for sofa retailer ScS. In November 2014, S Club 7 announced plans for an arena reunion tour, titled Bring It All Back 2015, touring the UK in May 2015.
Early life[edit]
Born in Southgate, London, to a Jewish family, she had a Jewish upbringing and attended Osidge JMI School and Ashmole School in London.[4][5] Her father is Michael Stevens and she has two brothers.
In 1993, she first caught attention by winning a modelling contest sponsored by UK teen magazine Just 17, beating 5,000 other competitors.[6] Following her first modelling jobs, she decided to study at the London College of Fashion, where she achieved a diploma in business. During that time she also worked for a film company and later in public relations, but began to lose interest and decided to pursue a career in singing instead.
Other ventures[edit]
Philanthropy[edit]
In 2005 Stevens fronted the Everyman Testicular Cancer Awareness campaign. Stevens's role was notable as she was the first woman to represent this campaign. Her television commercial raised eyebrows with its suggestive content that included her telling men to "put one hand down their trousers and give their testicles a good feel". On the commercial, Stevens commented, "Sometimes men need a little encouragement to think about their health. This is a funny way of raising awareness about a serious subject."[5]
In 2005 Stevens also took part in the Make Poverty History campaign, which aims to eliminate poverty in developing countries by cancelling old debts, improving the way aid is given and removing barriers, so these countries can trade more effectively with the rest of the world. Stevens donated an undisclosed amount of money to the campaign, and also starred in television and magazine advertisements supporting the cause. Her official website also displayed the campaign's official online banner.[6]
On 15 November 2011 it was reported that Stevens had recorded a collection of songs about fruit and vegetables as a way of helping to encourage children to eat five portions of fruit and veg per day. The songs were for an album titled Tasty Tunes and were made available as free downloads from the website of children's food firm Ella's Kitchen. Stevens launched the songs with a one-off performance at a nursery in Streatham, south London. The songs include food-themed versions of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and "The Hokey-Cokey", and Stevens said of the project; "As a new mum, I'm always looking for exciting ways to encourage my daughter to try new foods, especially greens. I hope tasty tunes help lots of parents sing about fruit and vegetables as part of their little one's everyday playtime."[37]
Stevens is also an ambassador to WaterAid, an organisation that promotes clean water in developing countries all over the world. During a 2012 trip to Ethiopia, Stevens remarked, "It was such a great feeling to see the women laughing and chatting while they were washing their clothes and drinking clean water. Everyone looked healthier and a lot happier and the village felt full of life."[38]
Endorsement deals[edit]
Whilst in S Club 7 Stevens fronted the World Wide Fund for Nature. More recently, she has been the front woman for Pretty Polly,[39] Sky Sports, Marks & Spencer,[40] and Focus Dailies.[41] In 2009, Stevens became the new ambassador for Schwarzkopf Herod Gliss hair products.[42] In October 2011 Stevens fronted the launch of Seven Seas Health Oils.[43]
Personal life[edit]
In her earlier years in S Club, Stevens dated property developer Daniel Cohen for about two years. Following the split, Cohen stated he met Stevens socially a few times after their relationship ended, adding "she's an absolute darling, someone I haven't a bad word to say about".[44] On Valentine's Day in 2002 Stevens became engaged to actor Jeremy Edwards.[45] The couple broke up in early 2004.[46] After the break-up she dated Gavin Dein, son of former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein.[47] The relationship did not last long, with the couple splitting up in August 2005.[48] In September and October 2006 Stevens was linked to American-based English singer Oliver Trevena, known professionally as Oli T.[49]
In June 2008, Stevens became engaged to her boyfriend of 18 months, Alex Bourne.[50] The couple had planned to marry in the autumn of 2008, but postponed their wedding until 2 August 2009 due to Stevens' busy autumn schedule training and performing on Strictly Come Dancing.[51][52] The wedding was a Jewish one.[53] On 19 May 2010 the couple were expecting their first child.[54] Her first daughter was born in 2010 and her second in 2014. In July 2022, Stevens announced on her Instagram that she and Bourne were divorcing.
Occasional reference is made by the virtual band Gorillaz to a period in which animated lead singer Stuart "2D" Pot allegedly dated Stevens as part of their fictional backstory.[55][56]
Stevens has stated that she "observe[s] some of the (Jewish) holidays and I'll go to the synagogue on special occasions".[5]