Feature: Jonathan Wilkes

[shell]

In the Spotlight: Jonathan Wilkes

By Shell, pure robbie staff

Jonathan Wilkes was born on the 1st August 1978 in Stoke-On-Trent. Famously known for being friends with Robbie Williams but is a star in his own right with a career that fans out into many directions.

[shell]

Not only is Jonathan a great singer and musician but he is a TV Presenter, Actor and celebrity footballer

Jonathan's television career was launched after he won the Cameron Mackintosh Young Entertainer of the Year award in 1996 and he then went onto signing a three-year contract with ITV fronting shows such as You've Been Framed and Love on a Saturday night. But presenting wasn't showing the 'all round' Jonathan Wilkes who then turned to stage acting and has appeared in recent theatre productions of Grease, Tommy and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. (and the odd panto )

[shell]

Jonathan's talents did not stop there either as he had ambitions to become a footballer in his teenage years, and was a part of Everton's youth setup in 1993. He went on to trials at Chester & Crewe. Although Jonathan is more known for his music and acting abilities he was easily coaxed back into the game when appearing for a team of celebrities for Sky One's The Match where he scored a memorable goal by lobbing Peter Bonnetti from 30 yards out late in the game. He captained the Celebrities team in both editions of the show.



It wasn't much of a surprise to learn that Jonathan was also behind the creation of ITV's Soccer Aid with pal Robbie Williams, a celebrity football match aired in the run up to the 2006 World Cup with the proceeds going to Unicef. Wilkes scored another memorable goal, this time for England against a Rest of the World, earning the man of the match award along with high praise for his footballing skills.

[shell]

Jonathan met wife Nikki when she was in girl band 'T. Les Filles'. .He was presenting a pop programme on BBC Choice, but came away with a date! The stunning Nikki was also a dancer on tour with Robbie Williams.

After two years together he proposed in a hotel room in Bath with a platinum engagement ring, 18 months later they tied the knot....

Jonathan married long-term love Nikki Wheeler at his best pal Robbie Williams' poolside in Los Angeles on Thursday Jan 22nd 2004, with his friend acting as his best man.



Nikki gave birth on 11 April 2006 to their son Mickey Wilkes weighing 7Lbs 15oz and was born at 7.20am.The couple have asked Robbie to be the Godfather

[shell]

Jonathan is currently on tour with Robbie Williams
He's a special guest, singing Me and My Shadow and competing with Robbie on stage at 'loudest Strong kareoke' and 'who can kick it' on the Close Encounters World Tour Which ends in Australia in December. Nikki and Mickey are with him.

[shell]

Fact File
Name: Jonathan Wilkes
Birth: 1st August 1978, in Stoke on Trent
Brothers/sisters: one sister called Kay
School: Holden Lane Stoke-on-Trent
First Stage Appearance: at the Queens Theatre in SoT in a Stoke Amateur Operatic Society production of Hans Christian Andersen, playing opposite Robbie Williams.
Starsign: Leo ---
Tattoo?: No
Hobbies: Football, tennis and golf
First single bought: MC Hammer's 'U can't touch this'
First concert: Take That 'Take That and Party'
Favourite album: The Beatles 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band'
Favourite drink: Ribena or Stella Lager
Favourite food: Sushi
Favourite restaurant: Pizza Express
Favourite colour: Black
Favourite shop: Nike Town London
Boxers or pants?: Pants
Favourite after-shave: Chanel Platinum
Favourite singer: Dean Martin
Favourite actor: Russell Crowe
Favourite TV show: Friends
Favourite film: Grease
Favourite city: Stoke-on-Trent
Favourite football team: Port Vale
Motto: 'Eye of the tiger'

Listen to Jonathan talk to BBC Radio Stoke's Tim Wedgwood about "Tommy" in May 2005 here

[Laura]

Love Rob's hair in the "wedding" pic.

[joanne]

and you should all visit jonathanwilkes.com for the latest news etc....plug plug plug

[mousepractice]

Lovely man!

[Laura]

seems genuine and settled, a good mate for Robbie.