Fleur East has seamlessly transitioned from a powerhouse vocalist and captivating reality TV star to a celebrated presenter and now, a West End leading lady. Beyond the dazzling stage lights and television cameras, she navigates the dynamic interplay of family life, an unwavering commitment to fitness, and the ever-evolving landscape of fame. With a recent major life change, becoming a mother, East offers an inspiring perspective on balancing personal joy with professional ambition.
The New Chapter: Family Life with Baby Nova
The past year has marked a profound shift in Fleur East’s personal world with the arrival of her daughter, Nova, in March 2024, with husband Marcel Badiane-Robin. The birth itself was a memorable event, with Nova making her entrance “via squat position into the arms of my Husband and I on our living room floor.” Returning to her Hits Radio show in April, East candidly shared the initial “blur” of new motherhood, describing herself as a “walking zombie” and a “milk machine” in the first week, but expressed her growing enjoyment as she adjusted.
Motherhood has reoriented East’s priorities, imbuing every achievement and moment with deeper meaning. “I think all those moments mean so much more now because, before you have a kid, you’re predominantly doing a lot of things for yourself,” she explains. “And now it’s all for her.” Nova is now her central inspiration, driving her motivation to continue pursuing her varied career. East has even brought Nova along to professional engagements, stating, “she’s been absolutely everywhere with me,” and recounts Nova meeting Katy Perry at just five months old.
A significant familial collaboration also emerged recently: a haircare brand launched with her sister, Keshia. This venture honors their late father, who passed away in 2020, and aims to provide a dream hair care range that celebrates natural curls, a topic both sisters are passionate about, hoping to set an example for Nova to embrace her own natural hair. East credits her parents for their enduring encouragement throughout her journey and highlights her husband, Marcel, as a constant source of belief and motivation.
The Power of Movement: Fleur’s Fitness Philosophy
Fleur East’s formidable stage presence and energetic performances are underpinned by a long-standing dedication to fitness. Her journey with physical activity began early, influenced by her father, who would have her and her sister do push-ups before brushing their teeth from the age of eight. Throughout school, she was active in netball, running, and cross-country.
Evolving Workout Routines
East’s fitness regimen has evolved over the years. After university, she initially focused on cardio, primarily the treadmill, before discovering the benefits of weight training around age 24. She embraced the challenge of the weights room, where women were less common at the time, and now proudly states she can squat 80kg. Her focus on stamina is crucial for her demanding performances, aiming to feel strong halfway through a 40-minute show.
In 2018, she outlined a diverse weekly routine, including Insanity sessions, cardio treadmill sprints with a trainer from Barry’s Bootcamp, and weight sessions focusing on strength movements like cleans and push-presses, followed by lighter, quicker exercises for a “hypertrophy burn-out.” Boxing has also been part of her routine to build cardio fitness.
The W8 Gym and Prioritizing Wellness
East even ventured into the fitness industry herself, launching the W8 Gym, a portable home workout system designed for convenience, especially beneficial for her busy travel schedule. She partnered with her cousin on the W8 Gym after struggling to find time to train while on tour.
Despite her dedication, East has experienced periods where fitness took a backseat, notably during lockdown. This experience, however, reinforced how much she values working out, admitting she “didn’t feel good in myself and wasn’t confident” when not active. Her philosophy now centers on making fitness an “everyday life” component, rather than a punishment.
The Trajectory of Fame: From X Factor to West End Star
Fleur East’s path to fame has been a testament to resilience and reinvention. Her initial foray into the spotlight was with the girl group Addictiv Ladies on The X Factor in 2005. However, it was her powerful return as a solo artist to the same show in 2014 that truly launched her career. Her iconic cover of Mark Ronson’s “Uptown Funk” made her the first X Factor contestant to reach number one on the UK iTunes Store chart during the competition, ultimately finishing as runner-up.
A Multi-faceted Career
Following The X Factor, East released her debut solo single “Sax,” which peaked at number three on the UK charts and achieved platinum certification. Her debut album, Love, Sax and Flashbacks, followed in 2015, with a second album, Fearless, released in 2020. She has consistently embraced new challenges beyond music, showcasing her versatility.
Her television appearances include I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2018, where she came in fourth place and was praised for her ability to create songs on the spot. She described the jungle experience as “more daunting than The X Factor” but an “amazing” time where she made incredible memories and friends.
In 2019, East joined Hits Radio as a breakfast show presenter, a role she continues to hold. Her foray into presenting expanded further with Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, where she was a popular contestant, reaching the final and achieving the first perfect 40 of her series. She later transitioned to co-hosting the spin-off show Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two, alongside Janette Manrara.
West End Debut and Future Aspirations
In April 2025, East announced her West End debut, taking on the lead role in Tina – The Tina Turner Musical for a limited summer run. This role holds particular significance, with East reflecting that Tina Turner has “always been with me,” highlighting a full-circle moment after performing a Tina Turner song on The X Factor years prior and paying homage to her on Strictly. Despite admitting to being both “terrified” and “excited” about the role, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return to her “first love” – music.
East has shared that certain aspects of fame and career that once held significant weight now seem less important after becoming a mother. However, her daughter Nova has also become a new source of inspiration, fueling her motivation. With a diverse and thriving career that continues to evolve, Fleur East exemplifies how dedication to family, a commitment to personal well-being, and a tenacious spirit can lead to sustained success in the spotlight.
