40 Facts About Jane McDonald

Early Life and Family

Jane McDonald, a beloved British entertainer, has a fascinating background that shaped her career. Let's dive into her early life and family.

1. Jane Anne McDonald was born on April 4, 1963, in Wakefield, West Yorkshire.
2. Her parents, Jean and Peter McDonald, played significant roles in her upbringing. Her father was a miner and chimney sweep, while her mother ran a boarding house.
3. Jane credits her strong work ethic to her parents, who instilled these values in her from a young age.

Career Beginnings

Jane's journey to fame wasn't instant. She worked hard and faced many challenges before making it big.

4. She started her singing career by performing on the pub and club circuit in Northern England.
5. Her father often drove her to gigs in a battered old van, showing his unwavering support.
6. After her father's passing in 1993, Jane landed a job singing on the Zenith cruise ship.

The Cruise and Overnight Celebrity

Jane's big break came when she was cast in a popular BBC docusoap. This show changed her life forever.

7. At 35, Jane was approached by producer Chris Terrill to star in The Cruise.
8. The show, which followed the lives of staff on a luxury cruise ship, attracted 14 million viewers.
9. Jane became an overnight celebrity, thanks to the show's massive success.

Music Career

Jane's newfound fame opened doors in the music industry. She quickly made a name for herself as a talented singer.

10. Her success on The Cruise led to her first recording contract with Focus Music International.
11. Her debut album, Jane McDonald, was a platinum-selling success, spending three weeks at number one on the Official UK Chart Hits.
12. Jane's album gained her a place in the Guinness Book of Records.

Music Tours

Jane's music career didn't stop at recording albums. She also embarked on several successful tours.

13. The Making Memories tour in 2016 was so popular that she extended her concert dates into 2017.
14. She has sold out iconic venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and the London Palladium.

Television Career

Jane's television career began with her appearance on The Cruise, but she didn't stop there.

15. She has hosted various shows, including Loose Women, Star for a Night, and Star Treatment.
16. Jane joined the panel of Loose Women in 2004 and remained a part of the show until 2014.
17. In 2017, Jane launched her own travel series, Cruising with Jane McDonald, on Channel 5.

Personal Life

Jane's personal life has seen its share of ups and downs. Her relationships and family plans have been a topic of interest for many.

18. Jane has been married twice. Her first marriage was to Paul in 1987, but it was short-lived.
19. She then married Henrik Brixen, a plumber who worked on the cruise ship Century, but they divorced in 2002.
20. Jane met her teenage sweetheart, Eddie Rothe, when she was 17 years old. They reconnected in 2008 and got engaged.

Relationship with Eddie Rothe

Jane's relationship with Eddie Rothe was a significant part of her life. Their love story touched many hearts.

21. Eddie was a drummer in the English disco group Liquid Gold and The Searchers.
22. The couple reconnected after almost 30 years apart and got engaged before Eddie's passing in 2021.
23. Eddie passed away in 2021 after battling lung cancer.

Family Plans

Jane has spoken openly about her desire to have a family and the challenges she faced in this regard.

24. Jane mentioned in her autobiography that her ex-husband Henrik did not want to have children.
25. This led to feelings of loneliness in their marriage.

Net Worth

Jane's successful career has brought her financial stability and recognition.

26. Jane McDonald's net worth is estimated to be around £4.5 million.

Autobiography

Jane has shared her life story with her fans through her autobiography.

27. Her autobiography, titled Riding the Waves: My Story, details her early life, career, and personal experiences.

TV Shows and Appearances

Jane has appeared in numerous TV shows, showcasing her versatility as an entertainer.

28. She has appeared in shows like The Cruise, Loose Women, Star for a Night, and Star Treatment.
29. Jane also hosted her own music-based chat show called Jane and Friends.

Travel Shows

Jane's love for travel led her to create several travel series, which have been well-received by audiences.

30. She fronted travel series like Cruising with Jane McDonald, Holidaying with Jane McDonald, and On Safari with Jane McDonald.
31. These shows have taken her to various destinations around the world, showcasing her love for travel and adventure.

BAFTA Award

Jane's travel series earned her a prestigious award, highlighting her impact on television.

32. Cruising with Jane McDonald won Channel 5 its first BAFTA Award for Best Feature in 2018.

Impact on the Cruising Industry

Jane's travel series has had a significant impact on the cruising industry.

33. Cruise companies and travel agents reported a significant increase in booking enquiries and website traffic each time an episode of Cruising with Jane McDonald aired.

Philanthropy

Jane's charitable work reflects her kind and compassionate nature.

34. While specific details about her philanthropic activities are not widely documented, her dedication to various causes is often mentioned in interviews and articles.

Fan Base

Jane has a dedicated fan base that appreciates her down-to-earth personality.

35. Her fans often describe her as warm and authentic, making her a beloved figure in British entertainment.

LGBTQ+ Icon

Jane is hailed as an icon by the LGBTQ+ community.

36. Her support and acceptance have resonated with many, making her a respected figure in the community.

Age and Appearance

Jane continues to be an active figure in the entertainment industry, despite her age.

37. Jane McDonald is currently 61 years old, born on April 4, 1963.
38. She looks fantastic and continues to prioritize her health and fitness.

Recent Projects

Jane remains relevant in the entertainment industry with her recent projects.

39. She has recently hosted The British Soap Awards 2023 and appeared on Celebrity Gogglebox with her best friend Sue Ravey.

Enduring Popularity

Jane McDonald's enduring popularity can be attributed to her genuine and down-to-earth personality.

40. Her ability to connect with audiences through her music and television shows has ensured her continued relevance and success.

Jane McDonald: A Beloved British Icon

Jane McDonald’s journey from pub singer to beloved British icon is nothing short of inspiring. Her rise to fame began with her stint on The Cruise, which catapulted her into the limelight. Since then, she’s enjoyed a successful music career, releasing platinum-selling albums and selling out iconic venues like the Royal Albert Hall.

Her television career is equally impressive. From being a panelist on Loose Women to hosting her own travel series, Jane has become a staple on UK screens. Cruising with Jane McDonald even earned Channel 5 its first BAFTA Award.

Despite personal challenges, including the loss of her fiancé Eddie Rothe, Jane remains a positive and influential figure. Her dedication to her craft, coupled with her warm personality, has endeared her to fans worldwide. Jane McDonald continues to shine, proving that hard work and authenticity truly pay off.