Heather Small facts: M People singer's age, songs, husband, children and more revealed

21 October 2022, 15:50 | Updated: 28 December 2022, 15:58

As the lead singer of M People, Heather Small had one of the most recognisable voices of the 1990s.

The British singer scored several big hits around the world, thanks to her distinctive soulful vocals.

• M People's 10 greatest songs ever, ranked

Heather joined her first group, Hot House, as a singer while still a teenager, and was the studio singer voice of the re-recorded version of the massive number one single 'Ride on Time' by Black Box.

M People were formed by Manchester DJ Mike Pickering (the 'M' is taken from his name), Paul Heard and Shovell in 1990. The original plan was to have a roster of different singers for different songs, but after Pickering and Heard spotted Heather, she became the full-time singer for the band.

M People would go on to sell over 10 million albums worldwide, with songs including 'Moving On Up', 'One Night In Heaven' and 'Search for the Hero'.

In 1997, Heather was one of the main voices in 'Perfect Day', the official 1997 Children in Need charity single, selling over a million copies.

Heather Small - Proud (Official video)

A year later, Heather parted ways with M People for a while to pursue solo projects. In 2000, she scored a big hit with her solo single 'Proud', famously brought back to the mainstream in the sitcom Miranda.

Heather Small is still performing today, and released her third album Colour My Life in 2022, the same year she appeared in ITV's The Masked Singer.

1. How old is Heather Small?

   

   Heather Small was born on January 20, 1965. She celebrated her 57th birthday in 2022.

   She was born and raised on a council estate in Ladbroke Grove, West London.

2. Is Heather Small married and does she have children?

   Heather previously had a long-term relationship with rugby player and coach Shaun Edwards.

   With Edwards, she has a son, former rugby player and now Labour Party councillor James Small-Edwards:

   As we mark the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, please join me in signing @CityWestminster’s tribute to our most famous resident.
   
   Books of condolence are available at Paddington Library, Maida Vale Library, Mayfair Library and Westminster City Hall. pic.twitter.com/azEAXI3LJg

   — Cllr James Small-Edwards (@JSmallEdwards) September 9, 2022

   In 2012, she married her lawyer partner David Neita.