‘JLS will be back soon!’
Singer Aston Merrygold on getting back on stage and why he’s decided two kids is enough
The public went crazy in 2020 when heartthrobs JLS announced they’d finally be reuniting for a UK tour – nearly seven years after parting ways. Now, band members Aston Merrygold, Marvin Humes, JB Gill and Oritsé Williams have played their last show for a while, but Aston says they are still as close as ever – and so are their kids!
“We’re all one family,”says the dad to sons Grayson Jax, four, and Macaulay Shay, two, with fiancée Sarah Richards, 38.“They see each other all the time – it’s something we’ve made a conscious effort to make happen.”
Here, the 34-year-old opens up about dad life and joining the panel of The Masked Singer live tour…
Hi, Aston! How did you find being back on tour with JLS?
Obviously with Covid, everything changed massively. To be back on stage, with lots of us in a room together, and live music, has been euphoric and surreal.
Will there be new music from JLS?
Not at the minute. We did the tour with the new album and then everyone is back to their individual projects. We’ll do more shows together soon, though, as we love performing together. But, for now, it’s nice to have the freedom to pursue individual projects.
Can we expect solo material from you, Aston?
Let’s just say June/July will be a lot of fun. Watch this space.
You Robin The Masked Singer Are
Outen
were on last year. you enjoying teaming up with Denise Van – who was Fox in 2020 – on the tour?
Denise is a legend. She’s done pretty much everything from stage and screen to presenting, and she’s a lovely human being as well. Having been on the show, it’s even better to now be involved behind the scenes.
You’re about to start the stage production of too…
Footloose,
It was my favourite movie growing up, so to be a part of it is so special.
How do you juggle work and family? First and foremost I have the most amazing partner in the world. Sarah holds the fort.
Would you like more children?
No, we’re blessed with two. The dynamic in the house is great. And I’ve only got one pair of hands! Three for me, with their energy, would be too much! Two is perfect.
Tell us about your work with the charities?
Ronald McDonald House
Ronald McDonald provides housing for families while their children are in hospital, as often they have to travel far from home for the best care. As a parent, you take comfort knowing there is an initiative like that out there.
Aston unveiled a playground made of recycled McDonald’s Happy Meal® toys at the Ronald McDonald House Manchester. The Ronald McDonald houses provide free accommodation for families of poorly children.You can donate via the McDonald’s app