Frankie Bridge, English singer-songwriter and dancer

Francesca Bridge (née Sandford), born on January 14, 1989, is a highly acclaimed English singer and television personality who has left an indelible mark on the British entertainment industry. Her career spans over two decades, characterized by significant success as a member of two prominent pop groups, S Club Juniors and The Saturdays, before establishing herself as a respected solo artist, author, and television presenter. Bridge's extensive tenure in music and media has seen her consistently signed to major labels such as Fascination and Polydor Records, a partnership that began early in her career.

Early Musical Beginnings: S Club Juniors and S Club 8

Bridge's journey into the music spotlight commenced in 2001 when she successfully auditioned for Simon Fuller's high-profile reality television competition, S Club Search. This popular show, broadcast on CBBC, aimed to discover fresh talent to form a new pop group. Francesca's impressive performance earned her a coveted spot in the newly formed S Club Juniors. The group quickly gained traction, featuring prominently in their own reality TV series, S Club Junior: The Story, which offered fans a behind-the-scenes look at their rise to fame.

The group, later rebranded as S Club 8 in 2002, achieved remarkable commercial success, releasing seven singles and two studio albums. Their debut single, "One Step Closer," reached number two on the UK Singles Chart, a feat mirrored by subsequent hits like "Automatic High" and "New Direction." Their debut album, 'Together', peaked at number five on the UK Albums Chart. While a member, Bridge also made a cameo appearance in S Club 7's popular television series, Viva S Club. Following this, S Club 8 starred in their own children's musical television programme, I Dream, where Francesca played a main role. This period also saw her release the duet single "Dreaming" alongside fellow S Club 8 member Calvin Goldspink, further showcasing her vocal talents.

Dominating the Charts with The Saturdays

After the disbandment of S Club 8, Francesca Bridge continued to pursue her musical ambitions. In 2007, she successfully auditioned for The Saturdays, a new girl group that would go on to become one of the most successful British pop acts of their generation. The group was swiftly signed to Polydor and Fascination Records, demonstrating immediate industry confidence in their potential. Their early success in the United Kingdom led to an additional record deal with Geffen Records, expanding their reach.

The Saturdays achieved widespread recognition and chart dominance throughout their career. In a significant move, Bridge and her bandmates secured a substantial deal worth an estimated US$1.5 million with Island Def Jam and Mercury Records to distribute their music in the United States, a testament to their growing international appeal. This period culminated in a momentous achievement: their first UK number-one single, "What About Us," released in 2013, solidifying their status as pop heavyweights. Throughout her impactful tenure with The Saturdays, Francesca contributed to an impressive catalog that includes 19 UK top-ten singles, such as "Up," "Forever Is Over," and "Higher," and six UK top-ten albums. This prolific output cemented her reputation as a consistent hitmaker in the British music scene.

Solo Ventures, Bestselling Authorship, and Television Presence

In late 2017, Francesca Bridge embarked on a new chapter, announcing her decision to pursue a solo career. She continued her long-standing relationship with Polydor and Fascination Records, the same labels she had been associated with since her early days in S Club Juniors. While her highly anticipated debut solo album was initially slated for release in 2019, it was ultimately shelved to allow Bridge to prioritize motherhood and her family. Throughout her 16-year career in the music industry, Francesca Bridge has contributed to the sale of an estimated 10 million records worldwide, a remarkable figure that underscores her enduring popularity and significant contribution to music.

Beyond her musical prowess, Bridge has also garnered considerable recognition as a style icon in the UK. Her distinctive short haircut became a widely emulated trend across the nation, showcasing her influence in fashion and beauty. Her television career has flourished alongside her musical endeavors. She has starred in two of The Saturdays' own reality television series, The Saturdays: 24/7 and Chasing the Saturdays, offering fans an intimate look into the group's lives and careers. In 2010, she also participated in Ghosthunting With... The Saturdays, exploring paranormal activity with her bandmates.

In 2014, Francesca captivated audiences as a contestant on the twelfth series of the highly popular BBC reality competition, Strictly Come Dancing. Partnered with professional dancer Kevin Clifton, she showcased her versatility and determination, ultimately finishing as the series' runner-up, a testament to her dedication and talent. Following this, in 2017, she transitioned into presenting, co-hosting the ITV game show Cannonball.

Her diverse talents also extend to authorship. Francesca Bridge is a bestselling author, celebrated for her book Open: A Toolkit for How to Cope with Anything, published in 2020. This non-fiction work delves into mental health, sharing her personal experiences and offering practical advice on coping mechanisms. In November 2021, Bridge further expanded her reality television presence as a contestant on the twenty-first series of ITV's demanding survival show, I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!, where she bravely navigated challenges and ultimately secured an impressive third place. In her personal life, Francesca has been married to former England international footballer Wayne Bridge since 2014. Together, the couple has two sons. As of 2021, Francesca Bridge's impressive career success is reflected in her estimated net worth of £11 million, making her the wealthiest member among The Saturdays.

Frequently Asked Questions About Francesca Bridge

When did Francesca Bridge begin her music career?
Francesca Bridge began her music career in 2001 after successfully auditioning for Simon Fuller's reality television competition, S Club Search, which led to her joining the pop group S Club Juniors.
What was Francesca Bridge's first UK number-one single?
Francesca Bridge's first UK number-one single was "What About Us" with her group The Saturdays, released in 2013.
How many records has Francesca Bridge sold worldwide?
Throughout her 16 years in the music industry, Francesca Bridge has contributed to the sale of an estimated 10 million records worldwide across her various projects.
Has Francesca Bridge written any books?
Yes, Francesca Bridge is a bestselling author. Her book, Open: A Toolkit for How to Cope with Anything, was published in 2020.
What reality TV shows has Francesca Bridge appeared on?
Beyond music-related series like S Club Junior: The Story and Chasing the Saturdays, Francesca Bridge has competed on Strictly Come Dancing (runner-up in 2014) and I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! (third place in 2021).