Bucks Fizz fans left baffled after discovering Cheryl Baker's real name

Following the re-run of Cheryl Baker's stint on The Celebrity Chase fans were left shocked to learn that her real name is in fact Rita Maria Crudington but has kept it a secret for years

Cheryl Baker has been a familiar name for decades as a member of iconic pop group Buck Fizz.

But pop fans were left shocked to learn that the star they had loved since she first burst on to our screens, is not who they thought she was. Cheryl, 70, was in fact born Rita Maria Crudington. The revelation comes after the re-run of her appearance on The Celebrity Chase was aired. She was on the show along with Good Morning Britain's Laura Tobin, comedian Mark Steel and sports presenter Jason Bell.

They were faced with the chaser Jenny Ryan in the hope of winning money for their individual charities. They had raised £142,000 but failed to beat Jenny, and so walked away with £1,000 each. Taking to X, fans were keen to discuss her appearance. One person said: "Cheryl’s looking well." Another wrote: "Celebrity Chase, Cheryl Baker and three people I’ve never heard of."

In 1981, Bucks Fizz won the Eurovision Song Contest and went on to achieve global fame. The band was originally made up of Bobby G, Jay Aston, Cheryl and Mike Nolan. But the band line-up changed over the years as Jay quit in 1985 - and was replaced by Shelley Preston. The group changed its name from Bucks Fizz to simply The Fizz.

Cheryl has appeared on a number of shows including Popstar to Operastar, Celebrity Mastermind and Would I Lie To You? But despite her glittering career, the former popstar revealed she was struggling financially during lockdown. In 2021, she candidly said: "We had one virtual gig and that was our only income, it's been ridiculously hard. I owe lots of tax, I physically haven't got the money to pay anybody back because I'm broke."

Last year, it was confirmed that Cheryl, who was born in east London's Bethnal Green, was set to make a guest appearance on BBC soap EastEnders, to mark the Eurovision contest of that year. At the time, Cheryl said: "I was so thrilled to be asked to take part in EastEnders. It’s a British institution! As a real-life EastEnders, I’ve loved the show since day one."

The show was hosted by Graham Norton, Alesha Dixon, Mel Giedroyc, Hannah Waddingham and Julia Sanina, who covered the final on May 13. At the time, Hannah said: "The thought of people voting from bomb shelters hits me more than anything. You’ve got to remember all the warmth, love and joy that comes with Eurovision."

Ukrainian singer Julia revealed that Eurovision was huge in her country. She added: "I’m sure Liverpool can rule the party. Kyiv is still very unsafe. We are very grateful that the UK is hosting instead." And Alesha went on to say: "This is so much more than just a competition."

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