Sophie Ellis Bextor
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Sophie Michelle Ellis-Bextor (born 10 April 1979) is an English singer and songwriter. She first came to prominence in the late 1990s as the lead vocalist of the
indie rock Indie rock is a Music subgenre, subgenre of rock music that originated in the United Kingdom, United States and New Zealand in the early to mid-1980s. Although the term was originally used to describe rock music released through independent reco ...
band
Theaudience Theaudience (styled as theaudience) were an English rock band, formed in London in 1996. They released one album and saw three singles enter the UK Singles Chart. The band's lead vocalist Sophie Ellis-Bextor became a successful solo artist aft ...
. After the group disbanded, Ellis-Bextor went solo and achieved success beginning in the early 2000s. Her music is mainstream
pop Pop or POP may refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media * Pop music, a musical genre Artists * POP, a Japanese idol group now known as Gang Parade * Pop! (British group), a UK pop group * Pop! featuring Angie Hart, an Australian band Album ...
and
dance Dance is an The arts, art form, consisting of sequences of body movements with aesthetic and often Symbol, symbolic value, either improvised or purposefully selected. Dance can be categorized and described by its choreography, by its repertoir ...
with influences of
disco Disco is a music genre, genre of dance music and a subculture that emerged in the late 1960s from the United States' urban nightclub, nightlife, particularly in African Americans, African-American, Italian-Americans, Italian-American, LGBTQ ...
,
nu-disco Nu-disco is a 21st-century dance music genre associated with a renewed interest in the late 1970s disco, synthesizer-heavy 1980s European dance music styles, and early 1990s electronic dance music. The genre was popular in the early 2000s, and exp ...
, and 1980s
electronic music Electronic music broadly is a group of music genres that employ electronic musical instruments, circuitry-based music technology and software, or general-purpose electronics (such as personal computers) in its creation. It includes both music ...
. In 2000, Ellis-Bextor collaborated with Italian DJ
Spiller Cristiano Spiller (born 3 April 1975) is an Italian electronic music DJ and record producer. He is best known for his 2000 single "Groovejet (If This Ain't Love)", featuring Sophie Ellis-Bextor. The song reached number-one in the UK, Australia, I ...
on "
Groovejet (If This Ain't Love) "Groovejet (If This Ain't Love)" is a song by the Italian electronic music DJ and record producer Spiller with lead vocals performed by English singer-songwriter Sophie Ellis-Bextor. Various versions of the single were later featured on the Germ ...
", which reached number one in the United Kingdom and in 2015 became the UK's biggest-selling vinyl single of the millennium so far. Her debut solo studio album, '' Read My Lips'', was released in 2001 and peaked at number two on the
UK Albums Chart The Official Albums Chart is the United Kingdom's industry-recognised national record chart for album, albums. Entries are ranked by sales and audio streaming. It was published for the first time on 22 July 1956 and is compiled every week by the O ...
. It was certified double platinum by the BPI, and sold 1.5 million copies worldwide. Three of its four singles—the
Cher Cher ( ; born Cheryl Sarkisian, May 20, 1946) is an American singer, actress and television personality. Dubbed the "Honorific nicknames in popular music, Goddess of Pop", she is known for her Androgyny, androgynous contralto voice, Music an ...
cover " Take Me Home", "
Murder on the Dancefloor "Murder on the Dancefloor" is a song written by Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Gregg Alexander, produced by Alexander and Matt Rowe for Ellis-Bextor's debut studio album, '' Read My Lips'' (2001). Released on 3 December 2001, the song peaked at numbe ...
", and double A-side "Get Over You" / "Move This Mountain"—reached top three in the UK. Its follow-up '' Shoot from the Hip'' (2003) reached number 19 in the UK and spawned two top ten singles, " Mixed Up World" and "
I Won't Change You "I Won't Change You" is a song written by Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Gregg Alexander, and Matt Rowe for Ellis-Bextor's second album, '' Shoot from the Hip'' (2003). The song was released as the album's second single on 29 December 2003, reaching numbe ...
". Ellis-Bextor's third studio album, '' Trip the Light Fantastic'' (2007), peaked at number seven in the UK and its lead single "
Catch You "Catch You" is a song by the British recording artist Sophie Ellis-Bextor for her third album, '' Trip the Light Fantastic'' (2007). It was written by Cathy Dennis, Rhys Barker and Greg Kurstin and produced by Kurstin. It was released as the al ...
" reached the top ten. Her fourth studio album, '' Make a Scene'' (2011), and its third single "
Bittersweet Bittersweet, bitter-sweet, or bitter sweet may refer to: Biology * A vine in the nightshade family, ''Solanum dulcamara'' * Some species of vines in the genus ''Celastrus'', including American bittersweet (''C. scandens'') and Oriental bitters ...
" achieved top 40 positions in the UK. Whilst signed to
Cooking Vinyl Cooking Vinyl is a British independent record label, based in Acton, London, England. It was founded in 1986 by former manager and booking agent Martin Goldschmidt and his business partner Pete Lawrence. Goldschmidt remains the current owner an ...
, she released a trilogy of albums produced by
Ed Harcourt Edward Henry Richard Harcourt-Smith (born 14 August 1977) is an English singer-songwriter. To date, he has released ten studio albums, two EPs, and thirteen singles. His debut album, '' Here Be Monsters'', was nominated for the 2001 Mercury Pr ...
: the
folk Folk or Folks may refer to: Sociology *Nation *People * Folklore ** Folk art ** Folk dance ** Folk hero ** Folk horror ** Folk music *** Folk metal *** Folk punk *** Folk rock ** Folk religion * Folk taxonomy Arts, entertainment, and media * Fo ...
-influenced ''
Wanderlust Wanderlust is a strong desire to wander or travel and explore the world. The term has its roots in German Romanticism. Etymology The first documented use of the term in English occurred in 1902 as a reflection of what was then seen as a chara ...
'' (2014), the
Latin Latin ( or ) is a classical language belonging to the Italic languages, Italic branch of the Indo-European languages. Latin was originally spoken by the Latins (Italic tribe), Latins in Latium (now known as Lazio), the lower Tiber area aroun ...
-infused '' Familia'' (2016), and the Japanese-inspired '' Hana'' (2023). She experienced a resurgence in popularity when "Murder on the Dancefloor" was featured in the 2023 film '' Saltburn'', which led to the song achieving a new peak of number two on the UK Singles Chart. Her eighth studio album, '' Perimenopop'', will be released under
Decca Records Decca Records is a British record label established in 1929 by Edward Lewis (Decca), Edward Lewis after his acquisition of a gramophone manufacturer, The Decca Gramophone Company. It set up an American subsidiary under the Decca name, which bec ...
in September 2025.


Early life

Sophie Michelle Ellis-Bextor was born on 10 April 1979 in
Hounslow Hounslow ( ) is a large suburban district of West London, England, west-southwest of Charing Cross. It is the administrative centre of the London Borough of Hounslow, and is identified in the London Plan as one of the 14 metropolitan cen ...
, London to
Janet Ellis Janet Ellis, (born 16 September 1955) is an English television presenter, actress and writer, who is best known for presenting the children's television programmes ''Blue Peter'' and '' Jigsaw'' between 1979 and 1987. She has published two nov ...
, who was a presenter on
BBC The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is a British public service broadcaster headquartered at Broadcasting House in London, England. Originally established in 1922 as the British Broadcasting Company, it evolved into its current sta ...
's
children's television Children's television series (or children's television shows) are Television show, television programs designed specifically for Child, children. They are typically characterised by easy-going content devoid of sensitive or adult themes and are ...
programmes ''
Blue Peter ''Blue Peter'' is a British children's television entertainment programme created by John Hunter Blair. It is the longest-running children's TV show in the world, having been broadcast since October 1958. It was broadcast primarily from BBC ...
'' and '' Jigsaw'', and
Robin Bextor Robin J. Bextor (born 11 October 1953) is an English film and television producer and director. He is the father of the dance-pop singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor. (Short biography of Robin Bextor on p.9) Early life and education After his education ...
, a film producer and director. They separated when she was four. As a child, Ellis-Bextor occasionally appeared on ''Blue Peter'' alongside her mother, who co-presented the programme. She attended St Stephen's School, Twickenham and later the independent
Godolphin and Latymer School The Godolphin and Latymer School is a private day school for girls in Hammersmith, West London. The school motto is an ancient Cornish phrase, ''Francha Leale Toge'', which translates as "free and loyal art thou". The school crest includes a ...
in
Hammersmith Hammersmith is a district of West London, England, southwest of Charing Cross. It is the administrative centre of the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, and identified in the London Plan as one of 35 major centres in Greater London. It ...
. Among her earliest public performances were some with the
W11 Opera London Youth Opera (LYO) is an independent opera company in London which produces operas performed by young people aged 9 to 18. Founded in 1971, and previously known as W11 Opera and W11 Children's Opera, it took its former name from its location ...
children's opera, beginning at age 13, and she is now a patron of the organisation. Ellis-Bextor has said, "I didn't see myself as a good-looking girl and that was good, because I didn't rely on it. ..I've now found lots of like-minded weirdos, so it's OK."


Career


1996–1999: Theaudience

Ellis-Bextor began her professional musical career in 1996 while singing lead vocals in
indie Indie is a short form of "independence" or "independent"; it may refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media *Independent media, media free of influence by government or corporate interests *Indie art, fine arts made by artists independent of commer ...
band
Theaudience Theaudience (styled as theaudience) were an English rock band, formed in London in 1996. They released one album and saw three singles enter the UK Singles Chart. The band's lead vocalist Sophie Ellis-Bextor became a successful solo artist aft ...
. The band released four singles, including the UK Top 40 hits "
I Know Enough (I Don't Get Enough) "I Know Enough (I Don't Get Enough)" is a song by Theaudience from their self-titled debut album, ''Theaudience Theaudience (styled as theaudience) were an English rock band, formed in London in 1996. They released one album and saw three s ...
" and "
A Pessimist Is Never Disappointed "A Pessimist Is Never Disappointed" is an indie-rock song written by Billy Reeves for Theaudience's eponymous album ''Theaudience'', released as the third single on 11 May 1998. "A Pessimist Is Never Disappointed" became one of the band's most p ...
", and one self-titled album (''
theaudience Theaudience (styled as theaudience) were an English rock band, formed in London in 1996. They released one album and saw three singles enter the UK Singles Chart. The band's lead vocalist Sophie Ellis-Bextor became a successful solo artist aft ...
'' (1998)). Videos for the band's singles were directed by her father, Robin Bextor. While in Theaudience, readers of ''
Melody Maker ''Melody Maker'' was a British weekly music magazine, one of the world's earliest music weeklies; according to its publisher, IPC Media, the earliest. In January 2001, it was merged into "long-standing rival" (and IPC Media sister publicatio ...
'' voted Ellis-Bextor number five in a poll of 'most sexy people in rock'. The band split in 1999 after demos for a planned second album were rejected by their label
Mercury Records Mercury Records is an American record label owned by Universal Music Group. It had significant success as an independent operation in the 1940s and 1950s. Smash Records and Fontana Records were sub labels of Mercury. Mercury Records released ...
, who then dropped the band. Ellis-Bextor recorded a duet with
Manic Street Preachers Manic Street Preachers, also known simply as the Manics, are a Wales, Welsh Rock music, rock band formed in Blackwood, Caerphilly, in 1986. The band consists of Nicky Wire (bass guitar, lyrics) and cousins James Dean Bradfield (lead vocals, le ...
— "Black Holes for the Young" — as a B-side for their 1998 single " The Everlasting", and in 1999, made an appearance on the Departure Lounge album '' Out of Here''.


2000–2006: ''Read My Lips'' and ''Shoot from the Hip''

After Theaudience split, Ellis-Bextor collaborated with Italian DJ
Spiller Cristiano Spiller (born 3 April 1975) is an Italian electronic music DJ and record producer. He is best known for his 2000 single "Groovejet (If This Ain't Love)", featuring Sophie Ellis-Bextor. The song reached number-one in the UK, Australia, I ...
, in 2000, adding vocals to his track "
Groovejet (If This Ain't Love) "Groovejet (If This Ain't Love)" is a song by the Italian electronic music DJ and record producer Spiller with lead vocals performed by English singer-songwriter Sophie Ellis-Bextor. Various versions of the single were later featured on the Germ ...
". It entered the UK charts at number one, just beating former Spice Girl
Victoria Beckham Victoria Caroline, Lady Beckham (; born 17 April 1974) is an English fashion designer, singer, and television personality. She rose to prominence in the 1990s as a member of the pop group the Spice Girls, in which she was nicknamed Posh Spic ...
on her first solo track. "Groovejet" won several awards: No. 1, Pop Top 20; No. 1, ILR; No. 1, Radio 1; No. 8, top dance track of 2000 and single of the year in ''Melody Maker''. In the ''
Metro Metro may refer to: Geography * Metro City (Indonesia), a city in Indonesia * A metropolitan area, the populated region including and surrounding an urban center Public transport * Rapid transit, a passenger railway in an urban area with high ...
'' newspaper, it received ninth place in the contest for the Greatest No. 1 of all time. In 2000, it was a finalist in ''
The Record of the Year The Record of the Year was an award voted by the United Kingdom public. For many years it was given in conjunction with a television programme on ITV of the same name. The award began in 1998 and was televised on ITV (TV network), ITV for eigh ...
''. In that same year, it won the awards for Best Single and Best Ibiza Tune at the Ericsson Muzik Awards. In 2001, Ellis-Bextor released her début album, '' Read My Lips''. It reached number two on the UK charts and spawned four top-twenty hit singles. Her rework of
Cher Cher ( ; born Cheryl Sarkisian, May 20, 1946) is an American singer, actress and television personality. Dubbed the "Honorific nicknames in popular music, Goddess of Pop", she is known for her Androgyny, androgynous contralto voice, Music an ...
's " Take Me Home" reached number two, as did "
Murder on the Dancefloor "Murder on the Dancefloor" is a song written by Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Gregg Alexander, produced by Alexander and Matt Rowe for Ellis-Bextor's debut studio album, '' Read My Lips'' (2001). Released on 3 December 2001, the song peaked at numbe ...
", which became Ellis-Bextor's biggest single and was on charts for twenty-three weeks. "Murder on the Dancefloor" became Europe's most played song of 2002. In 2002, ''Read My Lips'' was re-released with two new songs (and a live version of "Groovejet") and Ellis-Bextor won the Recording Artist Award at that year's Showbusiness Awards. Her third single, "
Get Over You / Move This Mountain "Get Over You" and "Move This Mountain" are two songs by British pop singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor. In most countries, "Get Over You" received a solo release, but in the United Kingdom, the two tracks were issued as a double A-side single on 10 Ju ...
", was released in June 2002 and reached number three. The fourth single, "
Music Gets the Best of Me "Music Gets the Best of Me" is a song by British singer-songwriter Sophie Ellis-Bextor, released as the fourth and final single from her debut solo album, '' Read My Lips'' (2001). The single was one of two new tracks that appeared on the re-iss ...
", rose to number fourteen in December. At the beginning of 2002, Ellis-Bextor was nominated for the "British Female Solo Artist" BRIT Award, going on to be nominated for a further two consecutive years. Her second album, '' Shoot from the Hip'', was released in October 2003 and yielded two further top-ten singles, " Mixed Up World" and "
I Won't Change You "I Won't Change You" is a song written by Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Gregg Alexander, and Matt Rowe for Ellis-Bextor's second album, '' Shoot from the Hip'' (2003). The song was released as the album's second single on 29 December 2003, reaching numbe ...
". The album reached number 19 on the UK charts and was certified silver by the BPI for shipments of 60,000. Ellis-Bextor described the album as "more emotionally direct" and "a little more left-of-centre at times" than ''Read My Lips''—"It has more of a live feel ..It's still a pop album—with elements of disco, indie and rock." She opted to step back from promotion of the album after becoming pregnant. In 2005, Ellis-Bextor was featured on the Busface single " Circles (Just My Good Time)" under the alias Mademoiselle E.B.


2007–2011: ''Trip the Light Fantastic'' and ''Make a Scene''

'' Trip the Light Fantastic'', Ellis-Bextor's third album, was released in May 2007 and reached number seven in the UK. The album produced three singles: "
Catch You "Catch You" is a song by the British recording artist Sophie Ellis-Bextor for her third album, '' Trip the Light Fantastic'' (2007). It was written by Cathy Dennis, Rhys Barker and Greg Kurstin and produced by Kurstin. It was released as the al ...
" (number 8 in the UK), "
Me and My Imagination "Me and My Imagination" is a song by British recording artist Sophie Ellis-Bextor for her third studio album, '' Trip the Light Fantastic'' (2007). It was written by Ellis-Bextor, Hannah Robinson and co-written and produced by Matt Prime. It is ...
" (number 23), and "
Today the Sun's on Us "Today the Sun's on Us" is a song by English musician Sophie Ellis-Bextor, released as the third single from her third studio album '' Trip the Light Fantastic'' (2007). It was written by Ellis-Bextor, Steve Robson, and Nina Woodford and produc ...
" (number 64). The song "If I Can't Dance" was announced as a single but later retracted. Ellis-Bextor supported
George Michael George Michael (born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou; 25 June 1963 – 25 December 2016) was an English singer-songwriter and record producer. Regarded as a pop culture icon, he is one of the List of best-selling music artists, best-selling rec ...
on his UK tour leg in June 2007. Her own UK tour, the Trip the Light Fantastic Tour, was due to start in August 2007, but it was postponed after Ellis-Bextor was invited to be the "special guest" on
Take That Take That are an English pop group formed in Manchester in 1990. The group currently consists of Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen. The original line-up also featured Jason Orange and Robbie Williams. Barlow is the group's lead singer ...
's Beautiful World Tour, which commenced in October 2007. She stated that her tour would be rescheduled for March 2008, with all tickets purchased being valid for the rescheduled concerts. The tour was never rescheduled and Ellis-Bextor has refused to discuss the issue in interviews. In October 2008, she sang at the Keep the Promise Rally in Trafalgar Square to end Child Poverty. In June 2009, Ellis-Bextor was featured on the
Freemasons Freemasonry (sometimes spelled Free-Masonry) consists of fraternal groups that trace their origins to the medieval guilds of stonemasons. Freemasonry is the oldest secular fraternity in the world and among the oldest still-existing organizati ...
single "
Heartbreak (Make Me a Dancer) "Heartbreak (Make Me a Dancer)" is a song by English production duo the Freemasons and English singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor. The song was written by the production duo James Wiltshire and Russell Small, Richard Stannard and Ellis-Bextor, and p ...
", which reached number 13 in the UK. In July, she performed alongside girl groups
the Saturdays The Saturdays are an English-Irish girl group based in London, England. The group formed during the summer of 2007 and has been on hiatus since 2014. The lineup consists of Frankie Bridge, Una Healy, Rochelle Humes, Mollie King, and Vanessa Whi ...
and
Girls Can't Catch Girls Can't Catch were a British girl group. Their debut single, "Keep Your Head Up (Girls Can't Catch song), Keep Your Head Up", entered the UK Singles Chart at number 26. Their second single, "Echo (Girls Can't Catch song), Echo", was released ...
at the iTunes Festival, held at the Roundhouse in London. A recording of her performance was released, '' Sophie Ellis-Bextor: iTunes Live in London'', which was the singer's first extended play. "
Bittersweet Bittersweet, bitter-sweet, or bitter sweet may refer to: Biology * A vine in the nightshade family, ''Solanum dulcamara'' * Some species of vines in the genus ''Celastrus'', including American bittersweet (''C. scandens'') and Oriental bitters ...
" (co-written by Freemasons and
Hannah Robinson Hannah Robinson (born in Derbyshire) is a British songwriter. Her best-known compositions include Rachel Stevens's UK No. 2 hit " Some Girls", Ladyhawke's " My Delirium" and Annie's "Chewing Gum". Robinson began her career as a vocalist and ...
), the first single from Ellis-Bextor's fourth album, was released in May 2010 and reached 25 on the UK Singles Chart. Ellis-Bextor's collaboration with DJ Armin van Buuren, "
Not Giving Up on Love "Not Giving Up on Love" is a collaboration between Dutch DJ and record producer Armin van Buuren and English singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor. It was released on 20 August 2010 as the second single from van Buuren's fourth studio album, ''Mirage'', a ...
", was released as a single in August 2010 in Europe. Also in 2010, she was featured on the
Junior Caldera Jérôme Dumas (), better known as Junior Caldera, is a French disc jockey from Paris. A multi-instrumentalist, Caldera was influenced by many musical styles and made rock music before becoming involved in house music in 2002 whilst working as a st ...
single "
Can't Fight This Feeling "Can't Fight This Feeling" is a power ballad performed by the American rock band REO Speedwagon, written by lead singer Kevin Cronin. The song first appeared on the 1984 album '' Wheels Are Turnin. The single reached number one on the ''Bil ...
". The singer's fourth album, '' Make a Scene'', was released in June 2011 following a year-long delay during which she left her label
Universal Music Group Universal Music Group N.V. (often abbreviated as UMG and referred to as Universal Music Group or Universal Music) is a Netherlands, Dutch–United States, American multinational Music industry, music corporation under Law of the Netherlands, ...
to establish her own label, EBGBs. She said that her decision to leave Universal was spurred on by the departure of the head of
Fascination Records Fascination Records is a United Kingdom-based record label, owned by Universal Music Group, and operated as an imprint of Polydor Records. The label was launched in spring of 2006, and is managed by former TOTP Magazine editor Peter Loraine ...
, the sub-label to which she was signed following the release of "Bittersweet". She described ''Make a Scene'' as "very much dance albummore so than any of my other albums." She said she was planning an "album that's really different ..but I think this album 'Make a Scene''is a good way to bow out of the dance sound for now. I think it's finishing on a high." She supported
Pet Shop Boys Pet Shop Boys are an English synth-pop duo formed in London in 1981. Consisting of vocalist Neil Tennant and keyboardist Chris Lowe, they have sold more than 100 million records worldwide and were listed as the most successful duo in UK music h ...
on the UK leg of their
Pandemonium Tour The Pandemonium Tour was a worldwide concert tour by English synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys in support of their tenth studio album '' Yes'' (2009). It was named for the album track "Pandemonium". The setlist featured songs from the new album as ...
in July 2010. She worked with
Calvin Harris Adam Richard Wiles (born 17 January 1984), known professionally as Calvin Harris (and sometimes under the stage name Love Regenerator), is a Scottish DJ, record producer, singer, and songwriter. His debut studio album, ''I Created Disco'' (2007 ...
,
Richard X Richard Philips, better known by his stage name Richard X, is a British songwriter and music producer. Gaining attention as a pioneer of the bootleg craze, Richard X has earned success as a producer and remixer. He has helmed hit singles for art ...
,
Dimitri Tikovoi Dimitri, Dimitry, Demetri or variations thereof may refer to: __NOTOC__ People Given name * Dimitri (clown), Swiss clown and mime Dimitri Jakob Muller (1935–2016) * Dimitri Atanasescu (1836–1907), Ottoman-born Aromanian teacher * Dimitri Ayol ...
, Hannah Robinson,
Metronomy Metronomy are an English electronic music band, formed in Totnes in 1999. Their lineup consists of founding member and leader Joseph Mount (vocals, keyboards, guitar), Oscar Cash (keyboards, backing vocals, guitar, saxophone), Anna Prior (drums ...
, and
Liam Howe Liam Coverdale Howe (born 29 September 1974) is an English record producer, musician and songwriter. Since co-founding electronic music band Sneaker Pimps in 1996, he has been a producer for Lana Del Rey, Marina and the Diamonds, FKA Twigs, E ...
from the
Sneaker Pimps Sneaker Pimps are an English electronic music band, formed in Hartlepool in 1994. They are best known for their debut album, '' Becoming X'' (1996), and its singles " 6 Underground" and " Spin Spin Sugar". The band takes its name from an articl ...
. "
Off & On "Off & On" is a pop song released by British recording artist Sophie Ellis-Bextor as the fifth overall single from her fourth studio album, '' Make a Scene''. It was released on 11 April 2011, exclusively in the Russian Federation as a digital d ...
" preceded the release of the album in continental Europe and Russia, where the album was released by
Universal Music Russia Universal Music Russia (Russian: ЗАО «Юниверсал Мьюзик») was a Russian music label division of the international music holding company Universal Music Group. The label's artists include Saifer, t.A.T.u., Noize MC, Anna Sedo ...
. The single "
Starlight Starlight is the light emitted by stars. It typically refers to visible electromagnetic radiation from stars other than the Sun, observable from Earth at night, although a component of starlight is observable from Earth during daytime. Sunlig ...
" was released in the UK ahead of the album in May 2011. Ellis-Bextor supported synth-pop band
Erasure Erasure may refer to: Arts and media * Erasure (duo), an English pop group * ''Erasure'' (album), 1995, by the British group Erasure * Erasure poetry, a form of found poetry created by erasing words from an existing text * ''Erasure'' (novel), ...
on their Total Pop! Forest tour of woodland locations in the UK in June 2011. She resumed touring internationally in 2011, playing venues such as
Jakarta Jakarta (; , Betawi language, Betawi: ''Jakartè''), officially the Special Capital Region of Jakarta (; ''DKI Jakarta'') and formerly known as Batavia, Dutch East Indies, Batavia until 1949, is the capital and largest city of Indonesia and ...
's SoulNation festival, as well as returning to
Australia Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country comprising mainland Australia, the mainland of the Australia (continent), Australian continent, the island of Tasmania and list of islands of Australia, numerous smaller isl ...
by performing in Sydney and Melbourne. She collaborated with French DJ
Bob Sinclar Christophe Le Friant (; born 10 May 1969), better known by his stage name Bob Sinclar (), is a French record producer, DJ, and remixer. He is the owner of the record label Yellow Productions. Musical career A native of Paris, Le Friant began D ...
on a track titled "F__ with You" (released in November 2011); it was included on his album ''Disco Crash'' and was a huge club hit in
Continental Europe Continental Europe or mainland Europe is the contiguous mainland of Europe, excluding its surrounding islands. It can also be referred to ambiguously as the European continent, – which can conversely mean the whole of Europe – and, by som ...
. Ellis-Bextor's collaboration with French DJ Mathieu Bouthier, "Beautiful", was released in July 2012 in France.


2012–2014: ''Wanderlust'' and collaborations

In May 2011, she revealed that she had begun work on her fifth album. Beginning in 2012, Ellis-Bextor worked with
British British may refer to: Peoples, culture, and language * British people, nationals or natives of the United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies. * British national identity, the characteristics of British people and culture ...
singer and producer
Ed Harcourt Edward Henry Richard Harcourt-Smith (born 14 August 1977) is an English singer-songwriter. To date, he has released ten studio albums, two EPs, and thirteen singles. His debut album, '' Here Be Monsters'', was nominated for the 2001 Mercury Pr ...
on a "more concept driven record", and possibly having as few as eight tracks. Her performance at a
London London is the Capital city, capital and List of urban areas in the United Kingdom, largest city of both England and the United Kingdom, with a population of in . London metropolitan area, Its wider metropolitan area is the largest in Wester ...
charity gala in November 2012 including a new song, " Young Blood"; a demo of the song was released in March 2013 as a complimentary
digital download Digital download may refer to: *Downloading, the processing of copying data to a computer from an external source *Digital distribution, a method of downloading software or audio-visual media as opposed to buying it at a traditional point of sale * ...
from her website, as a thank you gift to her fans. Also in 2013, she performed outdoors at Old Republic Square in
Almaty Almaty, formerly Alma-Ata, is the List of most populous cities in Kazakhstan, largest city in Kazakhstan, with a population exceeding two million residents within its metropolitan area. Located in the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains ...
,
Kazakhstan Kazakhstan, officially the Republic of Kazakhstan, is a landlocked country primarily in Central Asia, with a European Kazakhstan, small portion in Eastern Europe. It borders Russia to the Kazakhstan–Russia border, north and west, China to th ...
. Ellis-Bextor confirmed completion of the album in May and revealed its title, ''
Wanderlust Wanderlust is a strong desire to wander or travel and explore the world. The term has its roots in German Romanticism. Etymology The first documented use of the term in English occurred in 1902 as a reflection of what was then seen as a chara ...
'', and cover art in October. "Young Blood" was released as the lead single from ''Wanderlust'' in November 2013, peaking at number three on the
UK Indie Chart The UK Independent Singles Chart and UK Independent Albums Chart are charts of the best-selling independent singles and albums, respectively, in the United Kingdom. Originally published in January 1980, and widely known as the indie chart, the ...
and at number 34 on the UK Singles Chart. The album was released in January 2014 and peaked at number four on the
UK Albums Chart The Official Albums Chart is the United Kingdom's industry-recognised national record chart for album, albums. Entries are ranked by sales and audio streaming. It was published for the first time on 22 July 1956 and is compiled every week by the O ...
and at number one on the
UK Independent Albums Chart The UK Independent Singles Chart and UK Independent Albums Chart are charts of the best-selling independent singles and albums, respectively, in the United Kingdom. Originally published in January 1980, and widely known as the indie chart, the r ...
. ''Wanderlust'' also debuted inside the Scottish Top 10 Albums Chart. Ellis-Bextor performed a headline sold-out show to support ''Wanderlust''s release in January 2014 at Bush Hall,
London London is the Capital city, capital and List of urban areas in the United Kingdom, largest city of both England and the United Kingdom, with a population of in . London metropolitan area, Its wider metropolitan area is the largest in Wester ...
, and also performed at Union Chapel, London in April. Ellis-Bextor then announced a 10-date UK tour, which finished in Glasgow in April 2014. Ellis-Bextor collaborated with Guéna LG and Amir Afargan on the track "Back 2 Paradise", which was released in June 2014. The single was the number-one "breakout" in October 2014 on the US ''Billboard'' Dance/Club Chart, later reaching number 25 on the Dance/Club Chart. Ellis-Bextor then featured on the song "Only Child", produced by
electronic music Electronic music broadly is a group of music genres that employ electronic musical instruments, circuitry-based music technology and software, or general-purpose electronics (such as personal computers) in its creation. It includes both music ...
project DedRekoning, which was released in September 2014. The track was remixed by
Paul Oakenfold Paul Mark Oakenfold (; born 30 August 1963), formerly known mononymously as Oakenfold, is an English record producer, remixer and trance DJ. He has provided over 100 remixes for over 100 artists including U2, Moby, Madonna, Britney Spears, Ma ...
, Roddy Reynaert and Pearson and Hirst.


2015–2019: ''Familia'' and ''The Song Diaries''

In January 2015, Ellis-Bextor said that she had begun working on her sixth studio album, once again with Ed Harcourt. In January 2016, Ellis-Bextor posted an image on Instagram captioned "Last song written. Next stop – rehearsals! ''#album6 #whatthehellshouldicallit''." She also posted a YouTube video of the making of the album. According to Ellis-Bextor, the album, titled '' Familia'', was inspired by a recent visit to North America, particularly Mexico. ''Familia'' is the Spanish word for "family" (she also has the term as a tattoo on her right arm) and she described the album's sound as closer to that of her earlier albums. She explained that she "wanted something with a Spanish or Italian feel" and that it continued some stories from ''Wanderlust''. ''Familia'' was released in September 2016 and reached number 12 on the UK Albums Chart. It spawned four singles, but none of them made it into any major chart. After taking time off for the birth of her child in late 2015, she resumed touring in 2017, mostly at small venues in the UK. In November 2017, she announced via
Facebook Facebook is a social media and social networking service owned by the American technology conglomerate Meta Platforms, Meta. Created in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg with four other Harvard College students and roommates, Eduardo Saverin, Andre ...
a selection of her greatest hits reworked with an orchestra. In February 2018, she announced the album's title, ''
The Song Diaries ''The Song Diaries'' is a compilation album by English singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor, released on 15 March 2019 by EBGB's. Made in collaboration with Ed Harcourt, the album consists primarily of orchestral versions of Ellis-Bextor's solo singles, inc ...
'', and pointed out that it would consist of re-recorded tracks spanning her career from
theaudience Theaudience (styled as theaudience) were an English rock band, formed in London in 1996. They released one album and saw three singles enter the UK Singles Chart. The band's lead vocalist Sophie Ellis-Bextor became a successful solo artist aft ...
to ''Familias "Wild Forever", plus a new track. The album's artwork was drawn by David Downtown. ''The Song Diaries'' first single "Love Is You", a disco track originally performed by Carol Williams, which is sampled on her early hit ''Groovejet'', was released in August 2018. ''The Song Diaries'' was released in March 2019 and peaked at number 14 in the UK.


2020–2023: ''Songs from the Kitchen Disco''

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in the UK, Ellis-Bextor performed live weekly "Kitchen Disco" concerts featuring herself and her family, streamed live from their kitchen on Instagram. Beginning 24 June 2020, Ellis-Bextor started a weekly podcast titled ''Spinning Plates with Sophie Ellis-Bextor'' on which she interviews working mothers. Guests have included
Fearne Cotton Fearne Cotton (born 3 September 1981) is an English broadcaster and author. She began her career in the late 1990s as a children’s television presenter for GMTV, CITV and CBBC. She went on to present various television shows, including ''To ...
,
Caitlin Moran Catherine Elizabeth Moran ( ; born 5 April 1975) is an English journalist, broadcaster, and author at ''The Times'', where she writes two columns a week: one for the Saturday Magazine, and the satirical Friday column "Celebrity Watch". Moran w ...
,
Myleene Klass Myleene Angela Klass (born 6 April 1978) is an English musician, singer, television presenter and model. She was a member of the pop group Hear'Say, and later released two solo classical crossover albums in 2003 and 2007. More recently, Klass ...
, Róisin Murphy, and her own mother Janet Ellis. On 16 July 2020, Ellis-Bextor announced the greatest hits album '' Songs from the Kitchen Disco''. The album was preceded by the release of a single, "
Crying at the Discoteque "Crying at the Discoteque" is a song by Swedish band Alcazar from their debut studio album, ''Casino'' (2000). The track samples Sheila and B. Devotion's 1979 hit "Spacer". Alexander Bard produced the song and can be heard in the middle of this ...
", a cover version of the Alcazar song, which she had performed during her lockdown concerts in September 2020. She performed the single on ''
The Graham Norton Show ''The Graham Norton Show'' is a British comedy chat show presented by Graham Norton. It was initially broadcast on BBC Two, from 22 February 2007, before moving to BBC One in October 2009. It currently airs on Friday evenings, with Norton ...
'' on New Year's Eve. In March 2022, she embarked on her "Songs from the Kitchen Disco" tour of the U.K. In July 2022, the singer revealed a new single, "
Hypnotized Hypnosis is a human condition involving focused attention (the selective attention/selective inattention hypothesis, SASI), reduced peripheral awareness, and an enhanced capacity to respond to suggestion.In 2015, the American Psychological ...
", a collaboration with electronic artist Wuh Oh. A live album was released in November 2022 entitled '' Kitchen Disco – Live at the London Palladium''.


2023–present: ''Hana'', resurgence, and ''Perimenopop''

In January 2023, Ellis-Bextor collaborated with Japanese/Australian duo Rhyme So on a cover of the
Malcolm McLaren Malcolm Robert Andrew McLaren (22 January 1946 – 8 April 2010) was an English fashion designer and music manager. He was a promoter and a manager for punk rock and new wave bands such as New York Dolls, Sex Pistols, Adam and the Ants, and ...
track " Deep in Vogue". On 8 February 2023, Ellis-Bextor revealed a new track, "Breaking the Circle", the lead single from her seventh studio album, '' Hana'', which was released on 2 June 2023. The title of the album was taken from the Japanese word for "blossom" or "flower". Ellis-Bextor said the album was inspired by a trip to
Japan Japan is an island country in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean off the northeast coast of the Asia, Asian mainland, it is bordered on the west by the Sea of Japan and extends from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea ...
, taken before the
COVID-19 pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic (also known as the coronavirus pandemic and COVID pandemic), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), began with an disease outbreak, outbreak of COVID-19 in Wuhan, China, in December ...
began. Ellis-Bextor said of the album: "Because I hadn't been before, I had lots of ideas about what
apan Apan is a city and one of the 84 municipalities of Hidalgo, in central-eastern Mexico. The municipality covers an area of 346.9 km2. Overview-Twin Towns-sister Cities As of 2005, the municipality had a total population of 39,247. It was a ...
might be like. The lbum'ssoundscape is like someone's idea of what a place might be like before they get there. That trip also became significant in a wider sense because it was the last bit of travel I did before everything shut down." ''Hana'' marks the third collaboration with producer/musician Ed Harcourt. Ellis-Bextor said "There are themes of optimism, new starts, adventures and reflections....This is our third record together after Wanderlust and Familia. The first songs written were really inspired by the upcoming trip to Japan. In the end, the album ended up being inspired by that trip and so much more." In June 2023, Ellis-Bextor appeared on ''Grilled!'', a podcast by the Staff Canteen, where she was interviewed by Aaron Middleton and the Staff Canteen's Cara Houchen. During the podcast, Ellis-Bextor discussed her book, her favourite London restaurants, and the similarities between music and food. In July 2023, it was announced that Ellis-Bextor will collaborate with film composer
David Arnold David Arnold (born 23 January 1962) is an English film composer whose credits include scoring five James Bond films (1997-2008), as well as ''Stargate'' (1994), ''Independence Day'' (1996), ''Godzilla'' (1998), '' Shaft'' (2000), '' 2 Fast 2 F ...
and lyricist Don Black for the track to
Channel 4 Channel 4 is a British free-to-air public broadcast television channel owned and operated by Channel Four Television Corporation. It is state-owned enterprise, publicly owned but, unlike the BBC, it receives no public funding and is funded en ...
and
Universal Pictures Universal City Studios LLC, doing business as Universal Pictures (also known as Universal Studios or simply Universal), is an American filmmaking, film production and film distribution, distribution company headquartered at the 10 Universal Ci ...
film, "Mog's Christmas", based upon the children's book series by
Judith Kerr Anna Judith Gertrud Helene Kerr (surname pronounced ; 14 June 1923 – 22 May 2019) was a German-born British writer and illustrator whose books sold more than 10 million copies around the world.
. The track, titled "As Long As I Belong", is about "the importance of belonging". Ellis-Bextor also collaborated with
Robbie Williams Robert Peter Williams (born 13 February 1974) is an English singer and songwriter. He found fame as a member of the pop group Take That from 1990 to 1995, launching a solo career in 1996. His debut studio album, ''Life thru a Lens'', was re ...
and his electronic music project 'Lufthaus' on the track "Immortal", which is taken off of the group's debut album, ''"Visions, Volume 1".'' The album was released on 6 October 2023. Ellis-Bextor's "Murder on the Dancefloor" was featured in the last scene of the 2023 film '' Saltburn''. As a result, the song re-entered the UK singles chart, peaking at number two and garnered its most-ever global streams on
Spotify Spotify (; ) is a List of companies of Sweden, Swedish Music streaming service, audio streaming and media service provider founded on 23 April 2006 by Daniel Ek and Martin Lorentzon. , it is one of the largest providers of music streaming services ...
, receiving more than 1.4 million streams on
New Year's Eve In the Gregorian calendar, New Year's Eve refers to the evening, or commonly the entire day, of the last day of the year, 31 December, also known as Old Year's Day. In many countries, New Year's Eve is celebrated with dancing, eating, drinkin ...
. It also gave Ellis-Bextor her first ever
US singles chart The ''Billboard'' Hot 100, also known as simply the Hot 100, is the music industry standard record chart in the United States for songs, published weekly by ''Billboard'' magazine. Chart rankings are based on sales (physical and digital), on ...
entry, reaching #51. As well as this, 2024 became Ellis-Bextor's most successful year in terms of performances, playing more shows than she had ever before – a total of 110 in the calendar year. On 1 February 2024, it was revealed that Ellis-Bextor will be performing at ''Valley Fest 2024'' in
Chew Magna Chew Magna is a village and civil parish within the Chew Valley in the unitary authority of Bath and North East Somerset, in the ceremonial county of Somerset, England. The parish has a population of 1,149. To the south of the village is Chew ...
in August 2024. The same month, Ellis-Bextor announced her first-ever North American headlining tour, scheduled for May and June 2024. The initial seven-date tour included stops in
San Francisco San Francisco, officially the City and County of San Francisco, is a commercial, Financial District, San Francisco, financial, and Culture of San Francisco, cultural center of Northern California. With a population of 827,526 residents as of ...
,
San Diego San Diego ( , ) is a city on the Pacific coast of Southern California, adjacent to the Mexico–United States border. With a population of over 1.4 million, it is the List of United States cities by population, eighth-most populous city in t ...
,
Washington D.C. Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly known as Washington or D.C., is the capital city and federal district of the United States. The city is on the Potomac River, across from Virginia, and shares land borders with ...
,
Boston Boston is the capital and most populous city in the Commonwealth (U.S. state), Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the United States. The city serves as the cultural and Financial centre, financial center of New England, a region of the Northeas ...
,
Philadelphia Philadelphia ( ), colloquially referred to as Philly, is the List of municipalities in Pennsylvania, most populous city in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania and the List of United States cities by population, sixth-most populous city in the Unit ...
,
New York City New York, often called New York City (NYC), is the most populous city in the United States, located at the southern tip of New York State on one of the world's largest natural harbors. The city comprises five boroughs, each coextensive w ...
, and
Toronto Toronto ( , locally pronounced or ) is the List of the largest municipalities in Canada by population, most populous city in Canada. It is the capital city of the Provinces and territories of Canada, Canadian province of Ontario. With a p ...
. In June 2024, she announced a second North American tour leg for September given the first leg's success, adding shows in
Chicago Chicago is the List of municipalities in Illinois, most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois and in the Midwestern United States. With a population of 2,746,388, as of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, it is the List of Unite ...
,
Denver Denver ( ) is a List of municipalities in Colorado#Consolidated city and county, consolidated city and county, the List of capitals in the United States, capital and List of municipalities in Colorado, most populous city of the U.S. state of ...
,
Los Angeles Los Angeles, often referred to by its initials L.A., is the List of municipalities in California, most populous city in the U.S. state of California, and the commercial, Financial District, Los Angeles, financial, and Culture of Los Angeles, ...
,
Portland Portland most commonly refers to: *Portland, Oregon, the most populous city in the U.S. state of Oregon *Portland, Maine, the most populous city in the U.S. state of Maine *Isle of Portland, a tied island in the English Channel Portland may also r ...
,
Seattle Seattle ( ) is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Washington and in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. With a population of 780,995 in 2024, it is the 18th-most populous city in the United States. The city is the cou ...
, and
Vancouver Vancouver is a major city in Western Canada, located in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia. As the List of cities in British Columbia, most populous city in the province, the 2021 Canadian census recorded 662,248 people in the cit ...
. Following the resurgence of "Murder on the Dancefloor", Ellis-Bextor reportedly signed with
Universal Music Group Universal Music Group N.V. (often abbreviated as UMG and referred to as Universal Music Group or Universal Music) is a Netherlands, Dutch–United States, American multinational Music industry, music corporation under Law of the Netherlands, ...
. Her upcoming eighth studio album ''Perimenopop'' will be released 12 September 2025 on
Decca Records Decca Records is a British record label established in 1929 by Edward Lewis (Decca), Edward Lewis after his acquisition of a gramophone manufacturer, The Decca Gramophone Company. It set up an American subsidiary under the Decca name, which bec ...
. The album was preceded by the singles, "
Freedom of the Night "Freedom of the Night" is a song by English singer and songwriter Sophie Ellis-Bextor. It was released on 18 October 2024, through Decca Records, as the lead single from her upcoming eighth studio album, '' Perimenopop'' (2025). Background Fol ...
", "Relentless Love", and "Vertigo". On 15 May 2025, it was announced that Ellis-Bextor would replace
Ncuti Gatwa Mizero Ncuti Gatwa ( ; born 15 October 1992) is a Rwandan-Scottish actor. After a screen Breakthrough role, breakthrough portraying Eric Effiong in Sex Education (TV series), ''Sex Education'' (2019–2023), he rose to further prominence as the ...
as the United Kingdom's spokesperson for the
Eurovision Song Contest 2025 The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 was the 69th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. It took place in Basel, Switzerland, following the country's victory at the with the song "The Code (Nemo song), The Code" by Nemo (singer), Nemo. Organised ...
.


Other projects

In 2001 Ellis-Bextor auditioned for the 2001 film ''
Moulin Rouge! ''Moulin Rouge!'' (, ) is a 2001 jukebox musical romantic drama film directed, produced, and co-written by Baz Luhrmann. It follows an English poet, Christian, who falls in love with the star of the Moulin Rouge, cabaret actress and courtesan ...
'' for the character Satine. In 2007, she appeared at Christmas in the ''
Robbie the Reindeer ''Robbie the Reindeer'' is a trilogy of three Christmas-themed animated comedy television specials that have been produced by BBC Bristol, Absolute Digital Pictures and Comic Relief. The three television specials have also been premiered on BBC On ...
'' episode "Close Encounters of the Herd Kind". She was depicted as a female alien at the closure of the story singing the song "Supersonic", the last track on her third solo studio album '' Trip the Light Fantastic''. In November of the same year, she also launched the npower Greener Schools Programme, which aims to give schools in the UK a "green makeover" by providing free energy audits, implementing tailor-made energy efficiency measures to reduce their carbon footprint, and educating children on how to be greener. She launched
Capital Radio Capital London is an Independent Local Radio station owned and operated by Global Media & Entertainment as part of its national Capital (radio network), Capital Network. As Capital Radio it was launched in the London area in 1973 as one of Bri ...
's Capital 95.8 "Lights Out London" campaign, which asks Londoners to switch off their lights for one hour in a bid to save 750 MWh and send a message to the world on the importance of climate change. In 2008 she featured in the short musical film ''The Town that Boars Me'' by photographer Ben Charles Edwards. The film also features Jodie Harsh,
Kelly Osbourne Kelly Michelle Lee Osbourne (born on October 27 1984) is an English television personality, singer, actress, and fashion designer. She is a daughter of Ozzy Osbourne, Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, and came to prominence while appearing on the reali ...
and
Zandra Rhodes Dame Zandra Lindsey Rhodes (born 19 September 1940), is an English fashion and textile designer. Her early education in fashion set the foundation for a career in the industry creating textile prints. Rhodes has designed garments for Diana, Pr ...
. The film was produced by Glass Loves and Shoot to Kill Productions and was set to début at the Portobello Film Festival. The same year she fronted a campaign for
The Children's Society The Children's Society, formally the Church of England Children's Society, is a United Kingdom national children's charity (registered No. 221124) allied to the Church of England. The charity's objectives are to improve the lives of children and ...
encouraging people to log onto the ''Hundreds and Thousands of Childhood Memories'' website to donate their favourite childhood memory. In May 2008 she was hired by cosmetics brand
Rimmel Rimmel (commonly known as Rimmel London) is a British multinational cosmetics brand, now owned by parent company Coty. The House of Rimmel was founded by French-born British cosmetics entrepreneur Eugène Rimmel in 1834, in Bond Street, Lond ...
to be one of their new faces. A song of hers, "Sophia Loren", was featured in one of the Rimmel London television adverts for the line "Sexy Curves". She appeared as an advocate for Verdi on
BBC World News BBC News is an international English-language pay television channel owned by BBC Global News Ltd. – a subsidiary of BBC Studios – and operated by the BBC News division of the BBC. The network carries news bulletins, documentaries, an ...
classical music programme ''Visionaries''. She was a contestant in the eleventh series of the televised dance competition ''
Strictly Come Dancing ''Strictly Come Dancing'' (commonly referred to as ''Strictly'') is a British dance contest show in which celebrities partner with professional dancers to compete in mainly Ballroom dance, ballroom and Latin dance, Latin dance. Each couple is ...
'' in late 2013. She was partnered with
Brendan Cole Brendan Cole (born 23 April 1976) is a New Zealand ballroom dancer, specialising in Latin American dancing. He is most famous for appearing as a professional dancer on the BBC One show, ''Strictly Come Dancing'' from 2004 to 2017. From 2005 to ...
and reached the final, placing fourth. In September 2014 the
Pretty Polly Pretty Polly may refer to: * "Pretty Polly" (ballad) * ''Pretty Polly'' (film) * ''Pretty Polly'' (opera) * Pretty Polly (horse) * Pretty Polly (hosiery) Pretty Polly is a British brand of women's tights based in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, E ...
hosiery company announced that Ellis-Bextor was their latest "face and legs", and would be designing and modelling for them. In March 2019 Ellis-Bextor appeared as an extra in ''Game of Thrones'', Season 8, Episode 3 "The Long Night". In July 2020 she started a podcast called ''Spinning Plates'' which focuses on mothers and their careers. In the same year she competed in the second series of ''
The Masked Singer ''The'' is a grammatical article in English, denoting nouns that are already or about to be mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in English. ''The ...
'' as Alien. She was the first celebrity to be unmasked. In 2021, Ellis-Bextor wrote the memoir ''Music, Men, Motherhood and Me''. It was announced in October 2021 that she would make an appearance in the Australian soap opera ''
Neighbours ''Neighbours'' is an Australian television soap opera that has aired since 18 March 1985. It was created by television executive Reg Watson. The Seven Network commissioned the show following the success of Watson's earlier soap '' Sons and ...
'' in 2022, during a storyline set in London. On the morning of 16 November 2021 Ellis-Bextor embarked upon a 24-hour "Kitchen Disco Danceathon", in aid of
Children in Need ''BBC Children in Need'' is the BBC's UK Charitable organization, charity dedicated to supporting disadvantaged children and young people across the country. Established in 1980, the organisation has raised over £1 billion by 2023 through its ...
. She raised over £1,000,000 for the cause. In December 2022, Ellis-Bextor partnered with
Vodafone Vodafone Group Public Limited Company () is a British Multinational company, multinational telecommunications company. Its registered office and global headquarters are in Newbury, Berkshire, England. It predominantly operates Service (economic ...
to unveil its Pro II Broadband during a special Christmas concert in London. In October 2023 Ellis-Bextor was a guest celebrity judge in the episode ''Club Bangers'' of the British reality television series ''
RuPaul's Drag Race UK ''RuPaul's Drag Race UK'' is a British reality competition television series based on the American television series of the same name. The television series, a collaboration between the BBC and World of Wonder, premiered on 3 October 2019. T ...
'' broadcast on
BBC Three BBC Three is a British free-to-air Public service broadcasting in the United Kingdom, public broadcast television channel owned and operated by the BBC. It was first launched on 9 February 2003 with programmes for a 16 to 34-year-old target aud ...
. On 3 August 2024, Ellis-Bextor opened the set for
Brighton Pride Brighton and Hove Pride is an annual LGBT pride event held in the city of Brighton and Hove, England, organised by Brighton Pride, a community interest company (CIC) which promotes equality and diversity, and advances education to eliminate dis ...
's Fabuloso concert in Preston Park. She played a number of her hits including "Take Me Home", "Murder on the Dancefloor" and "Get Over You".


Personal life

Ellis-Bextor met her future husband,
the Feeling The Feeling are an English rock/ pop band from Horsham, Sussex. Following a limited release of their first single " Fill My Little World" in late 2005, the band entered the UK Singles Chart at #7 with their first full release " Sewn" in Fe ...
bassist Richard Jones, when he auditioned for her tour band in 2002. Jones has said, "Something kind of smacked us in the face. The chemistry was incredible—it was like nothing I've ever experienced." Their first child was born two months early, only eight months after the start of their relationship. Fourteen months later, on 25 June 2005, the couple married in
Città di Castello Città di Castello (); "Castle Town") is a city and ''comune'' in the province of Perugia, in the northern part of Umbria. It is situated on a slope of the Apennine Mountains, Apennines, on the flood plain along the upper part of the river Tiber. T ...
in
Umbria Umbria ( ; ) is a Regions of Italy, region of central Italy. It includes Lake Trasimeno and Cascata delle Marmore, Marmore Falls, and is crossed by the Tiber. It is the only landlocked region on the Italian Peninsula, Apennine Peninsula. The re ...
, Italy. They have five children, all sons, born in 2004, 2009, 2012, 2015, and 2019. Ellis-Bextor suffered from
pre-eclampsia Pre-eclampsia is a multi-system disorder specific to pregnancy, characterized by the new onset of hypertension, high blood pressure and often a significant amount of proteinuria, protein in the urine or by the new onset of high blood pressure a ...
(the onset of high blood pressure) during her first two pregnancies, resulting in both deliveries being premature. She is an ambassador for Borne, a medical research charity looking into the causes of premature birth. She is also an ambassador for the children's charity Lumos which promotes an end to the institutionalisation of children worldwide, as well as the organization mothers2mothers, which provides healthcare to families most in need by women in their communities who know them best. In the
2019 European Parliament election The 2019 European Parliament election was held in the European Union (EU) between 23 and 26 May 2019. It was the ninth parliamentary election since the first direct elections in 1979. A total of 751 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) we ...
, Ellis-Bextor endorsed
Change UK Change UK, founded as The Independent Group (TIG) and later The Independent Group for Change, was a British centrist, pro–European Union political party, which lasted for ten months in 2019. Established in February and formally recognised ...
. Her father,
Robin Bextor Robin J. Bextor (born 11 October 1953) is an English film and television producer and director. He is the father of the dance-pop singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor. (Short biography of Robin Bextor on p.9) Early life and education After his education ...
, was a candidate for the South East Region.


Awards and nominations


Current band members

* Phil Wilkinson – drums * Richard Jones – bass * Ciaran Jeremiah – keyboards * Seton Daunt – guitar * Gita Langley – backing vocals, violin


Discography

Studio albums * '' Read My Lips'' (2001) * '' Shoot from the Hip'' (2003) * '' Trip the Light Fantastic'' (2007) * '' Make a Scene'' (2011) * ''
Wanderlust Wanderlust is a strong desire to wander or travel and explore the world. The term has its roots in German Romanticism. Etymology The first documented use of the term in English occurred in 1902 as a reflection of what was then seen as a chara ...
'' (2014) * '' Familia'' (2016) * '' Hana'' (2023) * '' Perimenopop'' (2025)


Books

*


Tours

* Read My Lips Tour (2002–2003) * Straight to the Heart Tour (2009–2010) * Wanderlust Tour (2014) * Familia Tour (2017) * The Song Diaries Tour (2019) * Kitchen Disco Tour (2022–2024) * North American Tour (May – September 2024) ;Opening act *
25 Live 25 Live was a concert tour by English singer-songwriter George Michael. The tour was the most commercially successful tour of 2006–2007 in Europe, grossing over $200 million, with positive reviews from music critics. The 106 tour shows were p ...
(for
George Michael George Michael (born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou; 25 June 1963 – 25 December 2016) was an English singer-songwriter and record producer. Regarded as a pop culture icon, he is one of the List of best-selling music artists, best-selling rec ...
) (2006) * Beautiful World Tour (for
Take That Take That are an English pop group formed in Manchester in 1990. The group currently consists of Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen. The original line-up also featured Jason Orange and Robbie Williams. Barlow is the group's lead singer ...
) (2007) *
Pandemonium Tour The Pandemonium Tour was a worldwide concert tour by English synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys in support of their tenth studio album '' Yes'' (2009). It was named for the album track "Pandemonium". The setlist featured songs from the new album as ...
(for
Pet Shop Boys Pet Shop Boys are an English synth-pop duo formed in London in 1981. Consisting of vocalist Neil Tennant and keyboardist Chris Lowe, they have sold more than 100 million records worldwide and were listed as the most successful duo in UK music h ...
) (2010) * Total Pop! Forest Tour (for
Erasure Erasure may refer to: Arts and media * Erasure (duo), an English pop group * ''Erasure'' (album), 1995, by the British group Erasure * Erasure poetry, a form of found poetry created by erasing words from an existing text * ''Erasure'' (novel), ...
) (2011) *
Summer 2019 Summer 2019 was the second festival tour by Australian recording artist Kylie Minogue, in support of her greatest hits album, '' Step Back in Time: The Definitive Collection'' (2019). The tour commenced on 20 June 2019 in Kingston upon Thame ...
(for
Kylie Minogue Kylie Ann Minogue (; born 28 May 1968) is an Australian singer, songwriter, and actress. Frequently referred to as the "Honorific nicknames in popular music, Princess of Pop", she has achieved recognition in both the music industry and fas ...
) (2019) * What the Future Holds Tour (for Steps) (2021) *
The Wild Dreams Tour The Wild Dreams Tour or The Hits Tour, originally known as the Stadiums in the Summer Tour, is a concert tour by Irish pop vocal group, Westlife. It was first scheduled to begin on 17 June 2020 in Scarborough, North Yor ...
(for
Westlife Westlife are an Irish pop group formed in Dublin in 1998. The group consists of members Nicky Byrne, Shane Filan, Kian Egan and Mark Feehily. Brian McFadden was a member before leaving in March 2004. The group disbanded in 2012 and later reun ...
) (2022) *
This Life on Tour This Life on Tour was the twelfth concert tour by English pop group Take That. The tour supported their ninth studio album, '' This Life'' (2023). The first leg of the tour began at the Utilita Arena Sheffield in Sheffield on 13 April 2024, an ...
(for
Take That Take That are an English pop group formed in Manchester in 1990. The group currently consists of Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen. The original line-up also featured Jason Orange and Robbie Williams. Barlow is the group's lead singer ...
) (2024)


References


External links

* * * *
''Sophie Ellis-Bextor's Kitchen Disco''
at
BBC Radio 2 BBC Radio 2 is a British national radio station owned and operated by the BBC. It is the List of most-listened-to radio programs, most popular station in the United Kingdom with over 14 million weekly listeners. Since launching in 1967, the sta ...
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ellis-Bextor, Sophie 1979 births 21st-century English memoirists 21st-century English singer-songwriters 21st-century English women singers English disco musicians British dance-pop musicians Decca Records artists Disco singers English dance musicians English women memoirists English women pop singers English women singer-songwriters Fascination Records artists Living people National Youth Theatre members English nu-disco musicians People educated at Godolphin and Latymer School People from Hounslow Polydor Records artists Singers from the London Borough of Hounslow