Cheryl Baker is a name that still brings a smile to many faces in Britain. She shot to fame in the early 1980s as part of the pop group Bucks Fizz, winning the Eurovision Song Contest with an unforgettable performance. But her career stretches far beyond that single moment. From television presenting to reality shows and touring with a reformed band, Baker has remained a familiar presence for decades. This article looks at the key facts about her life, career, and what she is doing now.
Born Rita Maria Crudgington in Bethnal Green, London, on 8 March 1954, she adopted the stage name Cheryl Baker early in her career. Today, at 72 years old (as of June 2026), she continues to perform and connect with fans. Here is a detailed look at the questions people most often ask about her.
How Old Is Cheryl Baker?
Key Insights at a Glance
- Cheryl Baker rose to fame as a member of Bucks Fizz after their 1981 Eurovision win with “Making Your Mind Up.”
- She transitioned into television presenting, notably on shows like Record Breakers and The Saturday Show.
- After a hiatus, she reformed the band as The Fizz and continues to perform and tour.
- Her net worth is not publicly documented; estimates vary widely and should be treated with caution.
- She represented the UK at Eurovision twice — first in 1978 with the group Co-Co, then in 1981 with Bucks Fizz.
- She is currently working on her first-ever autobiography.
- Despite decades in the public eye, she has kept details about her health and finances largely private.
Cheryl Baker Snapshot
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rita Maria Crudgington |
| Stage Name | Cheryl Baker |
| Date of Birth | 8 March 1954 |
| Birthplace | Bethnal Green, London, England |
| Occupation | Singer, television presenter |
| Band | Bucks Fizz (later The Fizz) |
| Eurovision Win | 1981 with “Making Your Mind Up” |
| Spouse | Steve (married 1994) |
| Children | Twin daughters (born 1997) |
Which Band Was Cheryl Baker In and What Is She Doing Now?
Bucks Fizz and Eurovision Win
Baker’s most famous chapter began in 1981 when she joined Bucks Fizz. The group won the Eurovision Song Contest that year with “Making Your Mind Up,” a performance that became famous for the skirt-ripping choreography. The band sold over 15 million records and scored three UK number ones: “The Land of Make Believe,” “My Camera Never Lies,” and the winning Eurovision entry.
Before Bucks Fizz, she had already appeared at Eurovision as a member of Co-Co in 1978, representing the UK with the song “The Bad Old Days.” That experience helped prepare her for the global attention that followed.
Baker is currently writing her first-ever autobiography, as announced to fans via social media. The book is expected to cover her career from early days to the present. No publication date has been set.
Television Presenting Career
Baker moved into television presenting in the mid-1980s. Her longest-running role was as co-host of Record Breakers from 1987 to 1997, alongside Roy Castle. She also hosted her own cooking and music show, Eggs ‘n’ Baker (1988–1993), and co-presented How Dare You! (1984) and The Saturday Picture Show (1985–1986).
The Fizz and Current Activities
After a legal dispute over the Bucks Fizz name, Baker, along with original members Mike Nolan and Jay Aston, formed the group The Fizz. They have released albums including The F-Z Of Pop (2017) and Smoke and Mirrors (2019). Baker continues to tour with The Fizz and appears at 80s nostalgia events. She is also active on Instagram, where her bio reads: “Still ripping my skirt off with The Fizz!”
Who Is Cheryl Baker’s Husband and Does She Have Children?
Marriage to Steve
Cheryl Baker has been married to Michael Stroud, known as Steve, since 1994. She changed her legal name to Rita Maria Stroud but continues to use Cheryl Baker professionally. The couple have kept their relationship largely private.
Children
Baker left Bucks Fizz in December 1993 to focus on starting a family. She gave birth to twin daughters in 1997. The exact birth dates have not been made public. She has spoken in interviews about how motherhood became her priority during that period.
Baker stepped away from the music industry at the height of Bucks Fizz’s popularity to concentrate on raising her children. She did not return to full-time performing until the formation of The Fizz in the mid-2010s.
What Is Cheryl Baker’s Net Worth?
Publicly available information does not include a confirmed figure for Cheryl Baker’s net worth. No official source, including her own website or interviews, has disclosed financial details. Any numbers circulating online remain speculative and should not be treated as verified.
The absence of a disclosed net worth is common among British entertainers of her era. While it is reasonable to assume that decades of touring, television work, and royalties have provided a comfortable income, no reliable estimate exists in the public domain.
Has Cheryl Baker Ever Had Any Illness?
No credible reports or public statements indicate that Cheryl Baker has suffered from any serious illness. The question appears to stem from general curiosity about long-term public figures. Unless she chooses to share health information in her upcoming autobiography, this area remains private.
How Did Cheryl Baker’s Career Progress Over the Years?
- 1954 – Born Rita Maria Crudgington in Bethnal Green, London.
- 1981 – Joined Bucks Fizz; won Eurovision Song Contest with “Making Your Mind Up.”
- 1980s – Continued with Bucks Fizz, multiple hits, and began TV presenting (e.g., Record Breakers).
- 1993 – Bucks Fizz disbanded; Baker launched solo presenting career.
- 1994 – Married to Steve.
- 1997 – Gave birth to twin daughters.
- 2000s – Regular TV presenter on BBC and ITV shows.
- 2015 – Reformed Bucks Fizz as The Fizz; new music and tours.
- 2020s – Continues to perform with The Fizz and appear on television.
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About Cheryl Baker?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Born 8 March 1954 in Bethnal Green. | Net worth: no reliable source; all figures are speculative. |
| Member of Bucks Fizz and winner of Eurovision 1981. | Health: there are no credible reports of serious illnesses; any rumors are unverified. |
| Married to Steve (Michael Stroud) and has twin daughters born in 1997. | Exact dates of birth for her children are not public. |
What Is Cheryl Baker’s Cultural Significance?
Cheryl Baker remains a beloved figure in British pop culture primarily because of her Eurovision victory with Bucks Fizz. The group’s iconic skirt-ripping performance became a hallmark of 1980s television. She successfully pivoted to television presenting, maintaining public visibility across decades. Her current work with The Fizz demonstrates lasting appeal. While financial details are private, her career longevity suggests sustained success. The lack of verified health information indicates she has not publicly discussed major illness, but curiosity about her well-being persists.
What Do Sources and Quotes Reveal About Cheryl Baker?
“Still ripping my skirt off with The Fizz!”
– Cheryl Baker, Instagram bio
“Won #Eurovision. Presented a bit of tele. Doing alright for an old bird.”
– Cheryl Baker, Instagram bio
For more on her life and career, you can read about Amy Childs’ children and weight loss. Amy Childs’ children and weight loss
“Cheryl Baker is an English singer and television presenter. She was a member of pop group Bucks Fizz, which won the 1981 Eurovision Song Contest.”
– Wikipedia
What Is the Bottom Line on Cheryl Baker?
Cheryl Baker built a multifaceted career that began with Eurovision glory and expanded into television, reality shows, and a band revival. She has kept her personal finances and health private, but her professional path is well documented. For fans of 1980s pop, she remains an active and cherished performer. Read more about another British pop icon: Alison Moyet – Biography, Net Worth, 2026 Tour and Health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheryl Baker
Where was Cheryl Baker born?
Bethnal Green, London, England.
What is Cheryl Baker’s real name?
Rita Maria Crudgington.
Is Cheryl Baker still performing?
Yes, she performs with The Fizz.
How many children does Cheryl Baker have?
She has twin daughters born in 1997.
Did Cheryl Baker win Eurovision?
Yes, in 1981 with Bucks Fizz and the song “Making Your Mind Up.”
What TV shows did Cheryl Baker present?
She notably co-hosted Record Breakers for ten years and hosted Eggs ‘n’ Baker.
Has Cheryl Baker written an autobiography?
She is working on her first autobiography, but it has not been published yet.
What is Cheryl Baker doing now?
She tours with The Fizz, appears on television nostalgia shows, and is active on social media.
Who is Cheryl Baker married to?
She is married to Michael Stroud, known as Steve, since 1994.
Does Cheryl Baker have a net worth figure?
No confirmed net worth has been publicly disclosed; any numbers are speculative.
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Isabelle Knight is TV & Streaming Editor at StoryNative.uk, covering television, streaming platforms, broadcast schedules and platform news.