Fleur East: Get to know the Hits Radio Breakfast star 🙌
Get to know our very own Fleur East from Hits Radio Breakfast
Join Fleur East every weekday morning from 6am as she wakes up the UK on Hits Radio Breakfast, with Will Best and James Barr. You don't want to miss their Breakfast Show, which is full of celebrity interviews, fun and games, as well as the biggest hits and the biggest throwbacks!
Find out everything you need to know about presenter and singer Fleur East - including TV shows she's been on such as Strictly - It Takes Two, her best moments from Strictly Come Dancing, her biggest songs and our Hits Radio Live shows. Check out what she's up to now...
Who is Fleur East?
Fleur is a talented singer and presenter, known for hits like 'Sax' and 'Size' as well as numerous TV appearances.
How old is she?
Fleur East was born on 29th October 1987 and at the time of writing she is 38-years-old.
How tall is she?
Fleur is 161cm, which is 5ft 3 1/2.
Where did she grow up?
Fleur East grew up in Walthamstow, London.
What does she do now?
Fleur co-hosts the weekday Breakfast Show on Hits Radio, however, this year she also returned for Strictly: It Takes Two, joining Janette Manrara for a third year. And Fleur made her debut as Tina Turner in the West End production of The Tina Turner Musical.
Fleur East on Hits Radio
You can catch Fleur East on Hits Radio Breakfast every weekday morning, from 6am until 10am, alongside Will Best and James Barr. The trio also present a show at the weekend on Sunday mornings, starting at 9am.
When did she join Hits Radio?
Fleur joined Hits Radio Breakfast in July 2019 and she was late on her very first day! The others arrived at the Hits Radio studio bright and early to prepare for their first show, however when Fleur didn't turn up on time they began to worry. But it turns out she was just making an incredible entrance...
What TV shows has she been on?
Fleur has been on a number of different TV shows, including I'm a Celeb, The Void and Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway, you can find out more about them along with other career highlights on Fleur's career page.
Strictly Come Dancing
One of the biggest shows that Fleur has featured on is Strictly Come Dancing, back in 2022 when she was paired with Strictly pro Vito Coppola. The pair danced up a storm together for 13 weeks all the way to the Final, earning the nickname Fleurito.
Hamza and Jowita were crowned the winners, but Fleur and Vito put on three incredible performances which landed them at the top of the leaderboard and we're so proud of them!
Is she a professional dancer?
Fleur has great rhythm and is a fantastic dancer, but before Strictly Come Dancing she hadn't had dance training. While on Loose Women, Fleur spoke about being in the dance off, saying: "It’s hard not to take it personally but to tell you the truth I’m not a trained dancer no matter what anybody thinks.
"I’ve never been to stage school. I don’t know what toe is, what heel is… (Vito) will tell you, I don’t know any of it. I’ve literally just been winging it to be honest. The thing is when you sing, you have the mic in your hand. You’re controlling the vocals, you can't really move that much to be honest.
"It’s like smoke and mirrors - you’ve got dancers behind you and If I’ve ever done a music video and I can’t get a dance move, they’ll change it because I'm the singer. I’ve never had to do anything I can’t do.”
Does she have a podcast?
Adding another string to her bow in 2020, Fleur hosted a podcast called The Reality of Reality TV where she spoke to some of the biggest names in reality TV to find out how much is real, and how much is fake. Season one is available to listen back to wherever you get your podcasts!
As well as hosting her own podcast, Fleur also featured on Grazia's Life Advice Podcast, where she spoke about her positive attitude to life in general which comes from one legendary source, and how it takes much more than just talent to succeed in a talent show.
Is she a singer?
She is! Fleur has been singing for most of her life and explained: "Spice Girls 'Wannabe' was the first record I ever bought when I was about 10 or 11. I used to take out the sleeves from the CD and sit there and learn the lyrics inside out, practice my autograph and imagine that one day I was going to be a singer."
Fleur also revealed what it has been like getting to interview artists who inspired her own music career. She explained to Jackie Brambles: "When I was first doing covers on my YouTube channel years ago, I used to always sing Ed (Sheeran) songs because I loved him as a songwriter, and he was a huge inspiration for me. Now I’m on my Hits Radio Breakfast Show interviewing him and you just think life is crazy and magical in so many ways."
What songs has she released?
Before being the Hits Radio Breakfast Show presenter, Fleur was known for being on shows such as The X Factor and I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here. But she is also a talented singer and has released two studio albums. Some of her biggest songs are 'Sax', 'Favourite Thing' and 'Lucky'.
Although she hasn't released much music recently, in January 2024 she told her fans that she's recorded some music and will release it when the time is right.
Who was she on The X Factor with?
Fleur has been on The X Factor twice. Fleur first competed on the second series of The X Factor in 2005, as part of girl group Addictiv Ladies.
After being eliminated from the competition, Fleur returned to The X Factor in 2014 as a solo artist. This time around she had more success and reached the final, coming second to Ben Haenow.
She revealed to Jackie Brambles that before she returned to The X Factor, she was on the verge of giving up her singing dreams: "I’d tried so many things. I’d had a record deal with a dance label, I’d toured with DJ Fresh, I was on the TV shows – all the things you would expect would be the start of a huge career – but my parents were like ‘OK is there anything else you think you could consider doing?’ but anytime I even thought about going down a different path music always pulled me back.
"When I did The X Factor in 2014, I just needed the right people to see me. I’d done my apprenticeship; I’d honed my craft and just needed the right opportunity, and The X Factor was it."
Although not released as an official single by Fleur, she performed 'Uptown Funk' on The X Factor in 2014. Fleur became the first X Factor contestant to reach Number 1 in the UK iTunes Store chart during the competition, after having success with her performance of Mark Ronson's single featuring Bruno Mars.
Who has Fleur collaborated with?
Before releasing her debut solo single 'Sax' Fleur featured on DJ Fresh's song 'Turn It Up', which was part of his album ‘Nextlevelism’ in 2012. Fleur also toured with the 'Hot Right Now' DJ.
Although not a collaboration as such, Fleur East and Little Mix sang a mix of their songs including 'Sax' and 'Black Magic' on The X Factor in 2015.
In January 2020, Fleur interviewed will.i.am and speaking about collabs, Fleur joked she and will.i.am could do a collaboration if she changed her name to fl.e.ur.
In May 2022, Fleur hinted that she would love to collaborate with Spice Girl Mel C after the pair reunited at The MEN Pride of Manchester Awards. Speaking to the Daily Star Fleur said: "100 per cent, I'm there, it's not even a question.
"That is a life goal, I would love that."
However the Hits Radio presenter did explain: "I could never replace them. I could never do that but maybe a duet with them, that would be fun.
"To do a collaboration with them on stage."
Going on to explain: "(It would be) a mash-up, similar to Little Mix when we did Sax Magic, that is one my highlights of life, I absolutely loved it."
What music is most important to Fleur?
Opening up about her father who sadly passed away in 2020, Fleur revealed the influence his taste in music has had on her. She explained: "Van Morrison was my Dad’s favourite artist and growing up my Dad used to play him all the time.
"At the time I was like ‘I just want to listen to the Spice Girls’ but as I got older I started to really appreciate Van Morrison as an artist. After I lost my Dad two years ago any time, I want to feel a sense of comfort and calm I listen to 'Brown Eyed Girl' – I love it."
Is she married?
She is! Fleur and her long-term boyfriend Marcel Badiane-Robin married in June 2019, three months after the pair got engaged.
Fleur, who looked stunning in her wedding dress, shared a number of photos from her special day on Instagram, telling her fans, 'I’ve literally never smiled so much in my life and I didn’t think that was possible! It was the most magical day ever!! ✨😍'.
A clip from their wedding day can also be seen in the music video for her single 'Lucky' released on 31st January 2020.
Does she have any children?
She sure has — and she's now at nursery! Fleur shared the emotional moment she dropped off one-year-old daughter Nova at nursery for the first time in October 2025. You can watch the sweet vid below:
The star revealed the lovely news on 31st March 2024 that she had welcomed her baby girl, sharing a sweet photo of her carrying her daughter, Nova. Fleur captioned the image: 'And just like that, our baby girl, Nova, is here!! Our daughter entered the world via squat position into the arms of my Husband and I on our living room floor! 🤣
'One day I will share my birth story with you (what a RIDE!), but for now, we are resting and doing well. So thankful to the amazing midwives who were by my side, my birthing partners (my auntie Tina and my Husband @marcel__robin ) and all of our family who have been helping out and showering us with love.
'It really does take a village! So grateful to God for this blessing. Our little Nova was born on the 22nd March and it feels like she’s always been here. ❤️😘🍼✨'. (sic)
This followed the news that Fleur shared in January 2024 that she and Marcel were expecting their first child together, posting a photo which showed her baby bump. Captioning the beautiful snap, Fleur wrote: '2024 is gonna be different…👶❤️.'
Does she have a twin sister?
Fleur's sister Keshia is six years younger than Fleur but the pair do look alike!
During the Coronavirus lockdown Fleur celebrated her sister's birthday by sharing some photos of the pair, including one at Fleur's wedding.
Fleur captioned her photos, 'Today we celebrate my lil sis, my partner in crime, my spirit animal. KESHY!! Happy lockdown birthday! What a strange year it’s been! But so happy and thankful to have you by my side through it all. So grateful we have each other! Love you TOO much! ❤️🎈🎁🎉'.
Fleur also has a business with her sister called The Kurl Kitchen. The product is now stocked in Boots, and the pair took to Instagram to share the exciting news, writing: 'We built this from scratch - and moments like this still feel unreal. 💛'
Fleur East's dad
Fleur East's dad sadly passed away in early 2020, and the Hits Radio Breakfast presenter paid tribute to her dad in a moving message on Instagram. Fleur's caption read: 'Daddy East, Max, the ultimate G!
'What a man you were! So young at heart, always living in the moment! Swagger in abundance and such an unforgettable presence. Loved by so many! You were always my biggest fan! Cheering me on until the end.'
Fleur continued, 'You taught me and Keshia to be confident and to always chase our dreams. I will forever continue to make you proud. I’m so happy you saw us achieve so much. Every note I sing, every song I write and everything I do, will be for you. This album is for you Dad. Love you so much Daddy Darling. Have an amazing time up there! See you soon 💔✨🙌🕊.'
She also shared a number of photos and a video, including a photo of her Dad walking her down the aisle at her wedding to Marcel Badiane-Robin in 2019.
While on her Hits Radio show, Fleur opened up about losing her dad and how it's the hardest challenge she has ever had to face. She also revealed that he is the reason she chose to do Strictly Come Dancing. ❤️
Take a look at her career highlights:
The X Factor (2005)
Fleur East was a contestant on The X Factor back in 2005 as part of Addictiv Ladies. The group consisted of Fleur with her childhood friends, Nicola Owusu-Akontoh, Stephanie Yamson and Vivienne Umeh. They were mentored by Simon Cowell, but were eliminated in week one.
The band went their separate ways after taking part in The X Factor.
Tour with DJ Fresh (2012)
Fleur sang on DJ Fresh's song 'Turn It Up' and toured with the DJ throughout 2012. Speaking about her performance at V Festival with the 'Hot Right Now' DJ, Fleur said: "We got the chance to perform on the 4 Music stage in place of Nicki Minaj (who couldn't make it) and it was an incredible experience! There were something like 60, 000 people in the audience and it was so surreal."
The X Factor (2014)
Fleur returned to The X Factor as a solo contestant in 2014, this time she had more success on the show, getting all the way through to the final. Fleur's first song on the show was John Legend's 'Ordinary People', which gave her three 'yes' votes.
'Uptown Funk' performance on The X Factor (2014)
In the semi-final of The X Factor, Fleur performed 'Uptown Funk' by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars. Although not released as an official single by Fleur, the song was so popular with the audience that it went to Number 1 on the iTunes chart. Fleur became the first X Factor contestant to reach Number 1 during the competition.
Debut single 'Sax' (2015)
'Sax' was Fleur East's debut single after The X Factor. The song was a massive hit in 2015. The song reached Number 3 in the UK and was certified Platinum. Speaking about her debut song, she said she wanted her music to be fun to listen to and that's what 'Sax' is for her.
Fleur released her debut album 'Love, Sax and Flashbacks' (2015)
In the same year that Fleur had huge success with 'Sax', she released her debut album, 'Love, Sax and Flashbacks'. The album reached Number 14 in the UK and featured 12 songs, including her hits 'Sax' and The X Factor song 'Uptown Funk'. Nine of the 12 songs on 'Love, Sax and Flashbacks' were co-written by Fleur. The album has been certified Silver in the UK.
Fleur East appeared on I'm a Celebrity (2018)
In 2018, Fleur was back in the public eye appearing on series 18 of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! The radio presenter was eliminated 8th, from the show that was eventually won by Harry Redknapp. Fleur later said that they were like family.
In the Jungle Arms, the campmates took part in a little karaoke, when Fleur's song 'Sax' came on and they all tried to learn her dance routine, but Harry wasn't convinced.
Fleur East joined Hits Radio (2019)
Fleur joined Hits Radio's breakfast show in July 2019. She was late on her very first day, but arrived in style. While Greg and James were at the Hits Radio studio bright and early to prepare for their first show, Fleur had to explain why she was "running a little bit late" and ended up speeding along Manchester's canals in a speedboat, finally arriving at Hits Radio.
Fleur surprises fans with a performance at Hits Live (2019)
Fleur took to the stage for a surprise performance at Hits Live Birmingham, performing 'Sax' and 'Size'. Armed with dancers, pyrotechnics and amazing vocals, Fleur looked phenomenal with her changed-up hairstyle.
'Size' was used in a TV advert (2019)
'Size' was the ever-catchy release from Fleur in the autumn of 2019. The song was also featured in the Debenhams Christmas advert.
Fleur released her second album 'Fearless' (2020)
After much teasing, Fleur East confirmed her second album 'Fearless' would be released in March 2020. Her album featured songs 'Easy To Love', 'Lucky' and 'Favourite Thing'.
Fleur released 'Not Alone' to raise money for the NHS (2020)
Fleur's song, 'Not Alone' was initially written for an exclusive performance on The One Show, encouraging viewers to stay at home amidst the Coronavirus crisis. However, after getting so much attention online, she's decided to write an extra verse and chorus so the song can be released to raise money for the NHS. 💙
Fleur East's Black Lives Matter Rap Roulette (2020)
During the national lockdown in 2020, Fleur continued with her weekly Rap Roulette. There was one in particular with incredibly powerful lyrics for Black Lives Matter. The lyrics included: 'People fear for their lives through the shade they were painted / Can you see the picture has been tainted?' Fleur's Rap Roulette was described as 'brilliant' and 'powerful' by Hits Radio listeners.
Fleur launched The Reality of Reality TV with Fleur East (2020)
Fleur launched her own podcast in 2020 which was about The Reality of Reality TV. As someone who has been on a number of reality TV shows herself, she took us behind-the-scenes of the shows with her guests on her podcast.
Fleur is a contestant on Don't Rock The Boat (2020)
In November 2020 Fleur East took part in TV show Don't Rock The Boat. She was part of the winning red team along with Tom Watson, Jodie Kidd, Craig Charles, Victoria Pendleton CBE and Adam Thomas.
Fleur hosted The Void alongside Ashley Banjo (2021)
Fleur East launched her show The Void alongside Ashley Banjo. Those taking part faced mental and physical challenges whilst trying not to fall into The Void, a 520,000-litre water tank which stretched across the arena floor in the seven-part series.
Fleur East appeared on Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway (2021 and 2022)
Fleur East joined Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway for the 2021 series, giving away holidays to lucky viewers! She returned for the 2022 series to give away even more getaways.
Fleur East starred in musical film Tomorrow Morning (2022)
Fleur East starred in musical film Tomorrow Morning which was released on 6th September 2022 at selected cinemas. The film was about one couple seen in two separate timelines, a decade apart.
Fleur East joined Strictly Come Dancing (2022)
In August 2022, it was announced that Fleur East would join Strictly Come Dancing. Speaking about the announcement the Hits Radio presenter said: "I'm equally nervous and thrilled to be part of this year's Strictly line up. I'm excited to learn new skills and I want to soak up every moment of this magical experience. It's such an honour to be on the show after years of watching it with my Father who loved it so much."
During her time on the show, Fleur said: 'I'm dancing for a minimum of seven hours a day - it's hardcore! But the thing is you don't even realise you're dancing that long because you're enjoying it and you're focusing on getting the steps right and then before you know it it's over. I'm really enjoying Strictly but if I'm honest it's been a lot harder than I thought it would be - in terms of my fitness levels and what my body feels like.
"And learning the technique has been really, really difficult but above all of that I've just loved the experience, learning new dances, learning from Vito, building relationships with everyone I'm doing the show with. It's just so much fun'
In 2022, we brought the Hits Radio Breakfast show to you live from Blackpool ahead of Fleur taking to the Blackpool Tower Ballroom floor for Strictly Come Dancing. James and Producer Matt had a touching gesture in store as they arranged a flyover with a 'Vote Fleur' banner to surprise her with.
After 12 weeks of stunning dance routines, Fleur East and her dance partner Vito Coppola made it to the Strictly Come Dancing Final along with Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal, Helen Skelton and Gorka Márquez, as well as Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu.
Fleur released 'Count The Ways' single (2023)
In December 2022, Fleur announced she would be bringing out a new single called 'Count The Ways' which she released in January 2023!
On the Hits Radio Breakfast Show, she teased: "There's a lot more music coming from me! I've been really inspired this year and I've written some new songs and played them to Vito in rehearsals and got his approval. And I've booked him for my next music video so he's all ready for that!"
Fleur announced for Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour (2023)
In January and February 2023, Fleur danced her way across the UK as part of the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour. She performed with her partner Vito and the line-up also included Helen Skelton and Kai Widdrington, Will Mellor and Nancy Xu, Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu, Ellie Simmonds and Nikita Kuzmin, Tyler West and Dianne Buswell and Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal.
Looking ahead to the shows, Fleur said: "As a huge Strictly fan, being part of the TV competition has been an unbelievable experience and I'm absolutely over the moon to have the chance to get back into those fabulous sequinned outfits for the live tour next year!"
Fleur joined Strictly: It Takes Two
In 2023, Fleur joined Janette Manrara as a presenter on Strictly: It Takes Two. The Hits Radio host has continued to present the Strictly spin-off in 2024 and 2025.
Fleur East landed TV acting role in Phoenix Rise (2023)
Fleur East landed the role of a teacher called Miss Meesha in the BBC Three series Phoenix Rise. Her role appeared on screen in 2024!
Speaking about her role, Fleur said: "I'm thrilled to be a part of Phoenix Rise. There is so much raw talent and I've been soaking up the experience like a sponge! The cast and crew are amazing to work with and the scripts are real, gritty, funny and heart-warming. I can't wait for everyone to be introduced to my character Miss Meesha - she's a ball of energy!"
Fleur launched her haircare brand Kurl Kitchen (2024)
June 2024 saw Fleur launch her very own haircare brand, specifically designed for curly, coily, wavy, and tight-textured hair. Named Kurl Kitchen, the range offers shampoo, conditioner, leave-in conditioner, curl cream and hair oil.
Speaking about the brand, which sees products made sustainably and organically, Fleur said: "How funny, when we released Kurl Kitchen in June (2024), after four years of working on it, we went to Ghana, we formulated the whole range there. We have added all the ingredients like wild yam, okra, black soap shampoo. We have really incorporated all the ingredients that we grew up eating.
"We launched it, then boom Beyoncé released Sacred, and then Rihanna did hers. This is brilliant, we are at an age where people are recognising this is a huge market, and it's needed."
Fleur East performed at VE Day celebrations (2025)
In May 2025, Fleur East performed at the special programme, VE Day 80: A Celebration to Remember. The performance took place on Horse Guards Parade. In a social post about the event, Fleur wrote: 'What an honour it was to perform at the VE DAY 80 celebrations last night. A night to remember and celebrate victory in Europe 80 years on.
'The glam team did such an amazing job! Make up by my sis @keshiaeast_ , hair by @jhair_stylist and outfit created by @vickygilldesign ❤️
'I had so much fun on stage with all of the dancers, including my strictly fam! What an amazing night. If you missed it, you can catch it on @bbciplayer.'
Fleur played Tina Turner in West End production (2025)
In April 2025, it was announced that Fleur had landed the role of music icon Tina Turner in the West End production of the musical Tina - The Tina Turner Musical. Fleur shared the role of Tina along with current star Karis Anderson, and performed in the musical from Tuesday 24th June until Saturday 13th September 2025.
Fleur hosted Hits Radio Live 2025
Fleur hosted Hits Radio Live 2025 in both Birmingham and Manchester, along with her Hits Radio Breakfast co-hosts James Barr and Will Best. The trio took to the stage to welcome artists such as Calvin Harris, Olly Murs, JADE, Ella Henderson and the Sugababes.
How can I follow her on social media?
You can follow Fleur East on both our Hits Radio social accounts and on her own personal accounts, the full list is below.
Follow Fleur East on Instagram
Keep up with all the latest Hits Radio news on our social channels.
Follow Hits Radio on Instagram
How can I listen to Fleur East on Hits Radio?
Catch Fleur East every weekday morning on Hits Radio from 6am. Wake The Fun up with Fleur joined by the biggest names in music, movies and entertainment.
How do I listen to Hits Radio?
You can tune into Hits Radio on FM and DAB and you can find us on our website and on our app. You can even ask your smart speaker to 'play Hits Radio'.
How to download the Hits Radio app
You can get the Hits Radio app for free for iPhone and Android.
Check out some of Hits Radio Breakfast's biggest interviews.
Read more:
Fleur East's career highlights from Hits Radio Breakfast presenter to Strictly Come Dancing star
6 of Fleur East's best songs from 'Sax' to 'Not Alone' 🎶
The X Factor winners: Where are they now?