Cheryl Baker (2025): Age, Bucks Fizz, Eurovision Win, Net Worth, Children, Illness & Career Update
Cheryl Baker is a name synonymous with British pop and television history. As the lead singer of Bucks Fizz, she won the 1981 Eurovision Song Contest with the unforgettable “Making Your Mind Up.” But her career did not end there. For over a decade, she was a familiar face on BBC children’s television, co-hosting Record Breakers. Now in her seventies, she continues to perform and engage with fans.
Born Rita Maria Crudgington on 8 March 1954 in Bethnal Green, London, she rose from a secretarial job to international stardom. Her journey from a Eurovision entrant with the band Co-Co to winning the contest with Bucks Fizz is a classic story of persistence. Today, she remains a beloved figure, both for her past glories and her current work with the group The Fizz.
This article provides a comprehensive look at her life in 2025, addressing the most common questions about her age, career, family, health, and net worth. All information is based on verified, publicly available sources.
Who Is Cheryl Baker? Biography and Background
Key Insights into Her Career
- Cheryl Baker remains culturally relevant 44 years after her Eurovision victory, transitioning successfully from pop star to TV personality and back to performer.
- Her net worth is subject to speculation but likely reflects decades of music royalties, TV work, and touring income.
- Fan interest is split between nostalgia for Bucks Fizz and curiosity about her current life and health.
- Her candid social media presence provides authentic real-time updates, filling gaps left by official biographical sources.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cheryl Baker (born Rita Maria Crudgington) |
| Date of Birth | March 8, 1954 |
| Age in 2025 | 71 |
| Birthplace | Bethnal Green, London, England |
| Occupation | Singer, Television Presenter |
| Band | Bucks Fizz (later The Fizz) |
| Eurovision Year | 1981 |
| Eurovision Song | Making Your Mind Up |
| Marital Status | Married to Steve Stroud (since 1992) |
| Children | Twin daughters (born 1994) |
How Old Is Cheryl Baker in 2025?
Cheryl Baker was born on 8 March 1954. This makes her 71 years old as of 2025. Some sources may list her age as 70 or 72 depending on the timing of the article and the date of publication, but the calculation from her official birth date places her at 71 for most of 2025.
Her real name is Rita Maria Crudgington. She adopted the stage name Cheryl Baker when she began her music career. She is now known legally as Rita Stroud after her marriage.
Before fame, she worked as a secretary. Her first taste of Eurovision came in 1978 when she sang with the group Co-Co, representing the UK and finishing in 11th place. This early experience laid the groundwork for her later success.
While some online profiles estimate her age as 70 or 71 based on 2024 data, the calculation from her 1954 birth date confirms she turned 71 in March 2025. Wikipedia and IMDB both list her date of birth as March 8, 1954.
What Was Cheryl Baker’s Band and Eurovision Win?
Cheryl Baker’s most famous achievement is winning the 1981 Eurovision Song Contest with the pop group Bucks Fizz. They performed the song “Making Your Mind Up,” which became famous for its iconic skirt-ripping dance routine. The group went on to sell over 50 million records worldwide.
From Bucks Fizz to The Fizz
Bucks Fizz was formed specifically for the 1981 Eurovision. Baker joined as a lead singer alongside Mike Nolan, Jay Aston, and Bobby G. Following the Eurovision win, the group enjoyed a string of UK Top 10 hits. After years of legal disputes over the band’s name, Baker, along with Aston and Nolan, now performs as The Fizz.
Is Cheryl Baker Still Performing?
Yes. As of 2025, Cheryl Baker continues to tour and perform with The Fizz. The group regularly plays 80s music festivals and nostalgia tours across the UK. There are no indications of retirement, and she remains active as a speaker and media personality.
Bucks Fizz’s 1981 Eurovision win was part of a strong era for UK entries. The band’s subsequent commercial success was unusual for Eurovision winners of that period, making their legacy particularly notable in UK pop culture.
What Is Cheryl Baker Doing Now in 2025?
Cheryl Baker remains highly active in 2025. Her schedule includes performing with The Fizz, making television appearances, and engaging with fans on social media. She is frequently featured in 80s music specials and celebrity TV events.
Television Career Beyond Music
Baker transitioned to television in the mid-1980s. She co-hosted the BBC children’s show Record Breakers for 11 years (1987–1997) alongside Roy Castle. Her other presenting credits include Eggs ‘n’ Baker (1988–1993), The Saturday Picture Show, and How Dare You (1984). She has also appeared on reality shows like Popstar to Operastar, Celebrity Masterchef, and Dancing On Ice (2018). More recently, she became a presenter on Great British Radio, which launched in March 2024.
Her television career is a key part of her lasting fame. This transition from pop star to TV presenter is a career strategy that was not common among 1980s pop stars, helping her maintain public visibility for decades.
While official tour dates for The Fizz are subject to change, Baker’s public social media profiles confirm she is actively performing and attending celebrity events. There have been no announcements of retirement or extended breaks from public life.
How Many Children Does Cheryl Baker Have?
Cheryl Baker has twin daughters, Kyla and Natalie, who were born in 1994. She is married to bassist Steve Stroud, whom she wed in January 1992. The family resides in Kent.
In 2022, her daughter Kyla, who uses the pronouns they/them, publicly came out as gay. Baker described this moment as a source of pride and relief, expressing happiness that her daughter felt able to be open with the family.
Does Cheryl Baker Have Any Health Issues or Illness?
Cheryl Baker suffered a stroke in 2012. She has spoken publicly about this event and her subsequent recovery, which added a layer of personal authenticity and resilience to her public persona. She made a full recovery and has remained active in her career.
As of 2025 and early 2026, there are no recent public reports of significant health issues. She continues to perform and make media appearances without any indication of health problems. Her social media presence suggests she remains in good health and high spirits.
| Information | Status |
|---|---|
| Age and date of birth | High certainty (Wikipedia, official records) |
| Eurovision win and band membership | High certainty (Official Eurovision records, chart data) |
| Marriage and children | High certainty (Multiple interviews, official biography) |
| Stroke in 2012 | High certainty (Public interviews and news reports) |
| Net worth | Low certainty (No verified financial disclosure; estimates vary widely) |
| Current detailed health status | Medium certainty (Social media self-reports, not independently verified) |
What Is Cheryl Baker’s Legacy and Significance?
Cheryl Baker’s career is a testament to adaptability. From winning Eurovision with Bucks Fizz to becoming a beloved children’s TV presenter, she has remained a constant presence in British popular culture. Her continued touring with The Fizz and active social media presence keep her connected to both nostalgic fans and new audiences discovering Eurovision history.
Her public disclosure of her 2012 stroke and subsequent recovery has added a layer of personal authenticity to her public persona. She is seen not just as a pop star from the past, but as a resilient and engaging personality who continues to entertain.
For readers interested in other British television presenters, see our profile on Mark Chapman – BBC Sports Presenter. You may also enjoy our article on Stacey Dooley – Husband, Kids, Net Worth and Documentaries.
What Are the Sources for This Information?
This article draws on multiple authoritative sources to provide a comprehensive overview of Cheryl Baker’s life and career. The primary sources include Wikipedia, official band websites, and news archives from reputable publications such as The Sun, The Mirror, and the Daily Star.
“Won Eurovision in 1981. Presented a bit of tele and still ripping my skirt off with The Fizz!”
Cheryl Baker’s Facebook bio
“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
Summary: What Is the Most Important Thing to Know About Cheryl Baker?
Cheryl Baker is an English singer and television presenter who won the 1981 Eurovision Song Contest with Bucks Fizz. In 2025, at age 71, she continues to perform with The Fizz, remains active in media, and enjoys a strong connection with her audience through social media.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheryl Baker’s net worth?
Cheryl Baker’s net worth is not publicly verified. Estimates vary widely across celebrity net worth sites, but her income derives from music royalties, television presenting fees, and touring with The Fizz. No official financial disclosure has been made.
What was Cheryl Baker like when she was young?
Cheryl Baker grew up in Bethnal Green, London. She showed early interest in performing and worked in a bank before pursuing a music career. She joined Bucks Fizz in 1981, winning Eurovision at age 27.
What TV shows has Cheryl Baker presented?
She is best known for co-presenting ‘Record Breakers’ (1987-1997) with Roy Castle. She also presented ‘Eggs ‘n’ Baker’, ‘The Saturday Picture Show’, and appeared on reality shows like ‘Dancing On Ice’ and ‘Celebrity Masterchef’.
Is Cheryl Baker still performing with The Fizz?
Yes, as of 2025, Cheryl Baker continues to perform with The Fizz. The group tours regularly across the UK and has released new music. Check the official website for current tour dates.
How many children does Cheryl Baker have?
She has twin daughters, Kyla and Natalie, born in 1994.
Who is Cheryl Baker’s husband?
She is married to bassist Steve Stroud. They wed in January 1992 and live in Kent.
Did Cheryl Baker have a stroke?
Yes, she suffered a stroke in 2012 but made a full recovery. There are no recent reports of significant health issues.
What is Cheryl Baker’s real name?
Her birth name is Rita Maria Crudgington. She now goes by Rita Stroud legally.
Freddie Arthur Cooper Harrison is Editor-in-Chief of PopCulture UK, covering film, TV, music and celebrity news. He is accountable for the newsroom's editorial standards, and leads its sourcing and fact-checking process so that every article separates verified fact from rumour and is reviewed before publication.