Kimberley Gail Marsh (previously Ryder) (born 13 June 1976)2 is an English actress and singer. Between 2002 and 2008 she used her married name, Kym Ryder.3
She first came into the public eye in 2001 after appearing as a contestant on ITV's talent show Popstars where she made the final line-up for the band Hear'Say along with four others. Kym left the group in 2002 and now plays Michelle Connor in the long-running soap opera Coronation Street.
Music career
Solo singing career
After a while out of the spotlight, Kym emerged again, signing a solo record deal with Island Records. Her first single, Cry, went to number two in the UK singles chart, whilst her 2nd single Come On Over made #10.
In July 2003, Kym released her debut solo album which contained her three solo singles and twelve other tracks.
Kym's 'make-or-break' third single, Sentimental, stalled at number 35 resulting in her being dropped by her record label.
Discography
Albums
- Popstars - UK #1 (2001) (Hear'Say album)
- Everybody - UK #24 (2001) (Hear'Say album)
- Standing Tall - UK #9 (2003)
Singles
Eurovision
In a surprise movecitation needed in early 2006, she entered Making Your Mind Up, the UK show to pick a singer and song for the Eurovision Song Contest with a song called "Whisper To Me". Kym came fourth in the contest, losing out to the winner Daz Sampson.
TV Appearances
From July 2004 to February 2005, Marsh played "Annette" in the hit West End musical Saturday Night Fever at the Apollo Victoria Theatre to much critical acclaim, The Guardian calling her 'sparkling'. In November 2005, Marsh re-joined the musical during its UK tour with a short run of performances at the Edinburgh Playhouse.
In 2005, Marsh became a presenter on ITV's Loose Women, appeared in an episode of Doctors playing "Ruth Parry" for the BBC and played "Jill" in the Christmas Pantomime Mother Goose opposite Jonathan Wilkes in Stoke-on-Trent. In 2006 Marsh appeared in an episode of Holby City playing "Myrna Morrison" and the recurring role of "Kay" in the Hollyoaks spin-off series Hollyoaks: In the City which was screened on E4.
Marsh joined Coronation Street, as young singer and barmaid Michelle Connor, who sang with Vernon Tomlin's band. She sparked up a quick rivalry with Liz McDonald. Initially appearing early in 2006, she rejoined the soap as a regular character in July 2006, as the programme introduced the character's family. She has continued with her successful role, and her acting talents have been shown clearly. She has now signed a £100,000 contract to stay on the soap for at least another year. Kym Marsh has stated that she eats an onion everyday before going to work to give her energy during an interview on This Morning on March 2008.
Marsh has said she would love to be Corrie's next Vera Duckworth.4
On 13 December 2008, she appeared in the X Factor Final, presenting in North-London for Alexandra Burke, 20, who won the show later that night.
On 30 May 2009, she appared as a guest on Britain's Got More Talent during and after the Britain's Got Talent Final.
On 19 June 2008, Marsh signed a £100,000 contract to stay on Coronation Street for at least another year.5 On 4 August she said that she won't get bored of the ITV soap.6
Awards and nominations
2007:
2008:
Personal life
Marsh married former EastEnders actor Jack Ryder in St Albans, Hertfordshire, on 10 August, 2002 and, after settling in St Albans, the couple had early difficulties and split for a short while before reconciling. In light of Marsh's regular roles in north-west-produced dramas, while Ryder generally tours in theatre, the couple moved to Manchester and closer to Marsh's family in 2005.7 It was announced on 20 March 2008 that the couple had decided to separate and were looking to divorce.8 On 26 March 2009, Marsh admitted she had committed adultery during her marriage, although it was stated that the adultery was NOT committed whilst she was actually with Jack Ryder only once they had separated.9
Marsh has two children, both born in Billinge Maternity Unit, Greater Manchester: David Ryan (born 1995) Emily May (born late 1997/early 1998) from a previous relationship with Dave Cunliffe.10 The family presently live at Appleton Thorn, Warrington.
In June 2008 it was rumoured that Marsh was dating Hollyoaks actor Jamie Lomas (who plays Warren Fox) after pictures of the pair passionately kissing outside her home surfaced in a magazine. They confirmed their relationship in July by arriving at the Inside Soap Awards together.11 She and Lomas announced they were expecting a baby due in the summer of 2009.12 On 12 February 2009, Marsh released a statement announcing her and Lomas' son, Archie Jay Lomas, had been born 18 weeks early on 11 February, and had died moments after birth. Marsh stated "Archie is our beautiful angel and we will miss him so much. Thank you all for your support."13
Marsh revealed that she once had a crush on her former on-screen love interest Simon Gregson and that she is close friends with Gregson, Alison King, Charlie Condou, Beverley Callard, and Rob James-Collier.
References
External links
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