Kym Ryder, (born 13 June 1976 in Wigan, Garswood, Lancashire) is an English actress and singer. Her mother was a Lebanese immigrant and her father is english.

She first fell into the public-eye in 2001 after appearing as a contestant on ITV's talent show Popstars, and now plays Michelle Connor in the long-running soap opera Coronation Street, which she has played since 2006.
Contents
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* 1 Music career
o 1.1 Hear'Say
o 1.2 Solo singing career
+ 1.2.1 Discography
o 1.3 Eurovision
* 2 Acting
o 2.1 Coronation Street
* 3 Awards and nominations
* 4 Personal life
* 5 References
* 6 External links

[edit] Music career

[edit] Hear'Say

In 2001 Popstars was on the lookout for five girls, or boys, to be part of a group, that would go on to try and make it big in the charts. Kym was one of the lucky ones who impressed judges with her vocal talent.

After becoming one of the chosen five for the group that became Hear'Say, she and fellow group mates were moved into a mansion, in preparation for the single and album launch. Whilst auditioning for the group, she kept it a secret that she had two children, David and Emily, who were then aged 5 and 3. She became particularly noticeable when she became angry and emotional when one judge, Nigel Lythgoe, advised her to lose weight. Cursing and crying, Marsh refused to be judged, but became popular with the public.

Hear'Say hit the #1 spot in the UK with debut single Pure & Simple and also with their debut album Popstars. Popstars went on to sell 1.2 million copies in the UK, followed by their own television show entitled Hear'say It's Saturday, performing with established artists such as Lionel Richie, Joe Pasquale, Bradley Walsh, Blue and Atomic Kitten. Subsequently the band achieved a 37 date sell-out arena tour and performed numerous television guest appearances.

However, the media were quick to savage the group, and scrutinise their every move. The band enjoyed one more single before tensions started to emerge.

First came reports of Marsh, and fellow bandmate Myleene Klass clashing, and having vicious spats in the street. One tabloid headline read that Kym actually punched Myleene. All reports were denied on both sides, although it was clear that the group were unhappy. After they released an unsuccessful second album, Kym broke news that she was leaving the band.

[edit] Solo singing career

After a while out of the spotlight, Kym emerged again, signing a solo record deal with Island Records. Her first single, Cry, went to number two in the UK singles chart, whilst her 2nd single Come On Over made #10.

In July of 2003, Kym released her debut solo album which contained her three solo singles and twelve other tracks.

Kym's 'make-or-break' third single, Sentimental, stalled at number 35 resulting in her being dropped by her record label.

Kym will release her second album in 2008.

[edit] Discography

Albums

* Popstars - UK #1 (2001) (Hear'Say album)
* Everybody - UK #20 (2001) (Hear'Say album)
* Standing Tall - UK #9 (2003)

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