The 1980s pop star now pursuing her Five Star career in Harrogate

One of the most British successful musicians of the 1980s is back in the headlines — and now lives in Harrogate.

Deniece Pearson was the lead singer of Five Star, which had over 20 top 30 UK singles, including System Addict and Rain Or Shine. The group is the youngest British act to have a number one album.

Deniece was just 15 when Five Star, which consisted of four siblings, was set up in 1983 as Britain’s answer to the Jackson 5.

A Brit Award and a Grammy nomination followed as the band enjoyed hit after hit. She met the Queen twice.

After a break to raise her two children, Deniece is now forging the next stage of her career from her new home in Harrogate.

She moved to the town about 18 months ago purely by fluke — she was visiting a friend in Leeds and came to Harrogate for a massage. Deniece explains:

“I thought ‘this place is really lovely’ and started thinking ‘I might just come and live in Harrogate’.

“It’s just gorgeous. It’s the happiest place in the UK to live. It was beautiful at Christmas last year and I’m a real Christmas girl.”

Deniece returned to the stage in the 2000s, which included performing in the West End production of the Michael Jackson musical Thriller Live.

She’s now preparing for a 40th anniversary Five Star show at Pizza Express Live in London on September 30.

Deniece has also released a new single called Forever Young, which is taken from an EP also featuring new versions of Five Star classics System Addict and Rain or Shine.

She will be on tour in the UK this autumn and a solo album is expected next year.

Where does she like to relax when she’s back home in Harrogate?

She mentions The Ivy and Valley Gardens, adding:

“I haven’t really got to know Harrogate that well yet but from what I’ve seen I love it. It’s such a great town.”

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