Tony Cowell
Former JLS singer Aston Merrygold, 30, is on nappy duties with baby Grayson, and he couldn’t be happier
Strictly sensation and one part of boyband JLS, Aston Merrygold, and his fiancée, Sarah Richards, welcomed their first child, Grayson, just over a month ago. Here, the singer talks about how life has changed...
How’s baby Grayson? He came a week late, didn’t he?
Yes, he kept us waiting! I think he wanted to make a grand entrance. Amazingly, he is already sleeping through the night, which is fantastic news. I’ve never been happier. My life has really changed for the better. I feel very blessed.
How did you feel when you first saw him?
Incredible. I just thought, there is nothing more to be achieved. It was like, suddenly, my life felt complete. I have a son! My wife-to-be is with me. You get some highs through life, and this is probably as good as it gets. Nothing really beats having your first child. If I lost everything tomorrow, I’d still walk through my door and be happy. I’ve just turned 30, and I’ve got a son. It’s an amazing feeling.
Have you changed a nappy yet?!
Ha ha. Yes, I have actually. I’m on nappy duty. It’s quite strange to think that you can take care of a newborn baby without any real training. Last week, he came out with a rash that we now know was milk spots. We both started to panic because there is no rule book. You just have to rely on your own instincts. Grayson is a good boy, so I really can’t complain. He lets Mummy and Daddy sleep, which is very helpful.
What’s the hardest part of being a dad?
Worrying too much. You usually take care of number one, then you get into a relationship and you think about that person all the time. But this is a whole new level. At least a girlfriend can communicate and walk – a baby can’t. If they’re sitting there and breathing heavily, it’s like, ‘OK, what’s wrong?’
Will Grayson be going on tour with you?
Actually, yes. Sarah will bring him to most of the shows, because I think it’s good for him to be there and experience part of my life – my work. Anyway, he seems to sleep through just about everything – even when I turn my speakers up high in the house! This tour will be very different for me, and having Sarah and Grayson there will add some family support.
You’ve just completed your first movie...
Yes, it’s called Boogie Man, and
I was so happy to be asked to play one of the lead parts. I think acting has always been in my blood, and I was waiting for the right part to come along. There’s a lot of singing and dancing [ let’s be honest, he’s still best known for his dancing –think JLS and Strictly], but I do have to act out some dramatic scenes, which I loved doing. It’s a new direction for me. The movie should be out later this year.
Is there any new music on the horizon?
Yes. I am in the studio as well this month, working on a new album. I’ve got seven songs already done. I’ll be releasing a new single in the next few weeks, while I’m on tour. Everything seems really positive and quite inspiring, I’m in a very good place. I think it adds fuel to the fire, in a good way, when everything is kicking into place.
How do you look back on your time on Strictly last year?
I loved it much more than I thought I would. I had such a great partner in Janette [Manrara]. I was lucky that she went out of her way to break things down for me. I do love dancing, and I suppose Strictly is the ultimate challenge. You don’t normally see many pop artists taking on ballroom and Latin. I’m proud of what I achieved.
We expect the Spice Girls to reform, will JLS ever get back together?
I don’t think so. I’m always going to be in JLS, but in terms of us taking that step towards doing shows and music, conversations haven’t been had. We’re all there for one another. Marvin Humes’s little girl, Valentina, is one year old this month, so he’ll be giving me tips for the year ahead. It’ll be tough when Grayson starts to crawl and walk. What things can he run into? Things like that!
You got engaged to Sarah last Boxing Day. Will you tie the knot this year?
Yes, we will. We are now down to finding a date that will work for both of us, and finding the right venue. I am genuinely excited now – I can’t wait for the big day!
For tickets to Aston’s tour, see ticketmaster.co.uk