THE Brit Awards are again on the field TONIGHT, and over the years have welcomed quite a few completely different hosts to preside over the glitzy bash.
Back in 1990, it was the job of TV presenter Cathy McGowan, nevertheless this one-time Brits host has since ditched fame regardless of having a VERY famous associate for over 35 years.
Cathy burst onto the scene in the 60s as the presenter of music TV present, Ready Steady Go!.
It was on this present that she lined the rise of The Beatles and went onto to grow to be associates with Paul McCartney – he even requested her personally to introduce him at his Knebworth live performance in 1990.
Due to her unbelievable trend sense and type, Cathy was identified in the 70s as the “Queen of the Mods”.
She was additionally hailed as the “girl of the day” by singer Eric Burdon, of rock band The Animals as a result of her in-demand standing.
That’s why it was no shock that she landed the coveted gig of internet hosting the Brit Awards in 1990.
That 12 months the starry ceremony welcomed performances from Lisa Stansfield, Neneh Cherry, Phil Collins and Soul II Soul.
However, the Brits that 12 months was additionally Queen star Freddie Mercury‘s final public outing, earlier than his sad death the following year.
But regardless of her success as a TV star, and additionally a trend icon, Cathy has now ditched the highlight and has “no interest in being famous”.
This is in accordance with her associate of over 35 years, singer Michael Ball.
The theatre star, who has additionally carved out a powerful profession on TV, met Cathy in the late 80s when she was working for the BBC.
Michael, who had simply turned 30 at the time, was simply beginning out in his profession in the musicals, whereas Cathy, who was 51, was already a family identify, due to her lengthy profession in the highlight.
The pair met when Cathy was tasked with interviewing Michael about his West End present, Aspects Of Love in 1989.
They quickly grew to become a pair, and have been collectively ever since.
However, as Michael’s profession in the highlight grew and grew, Cathy determined “fame no longer interested her”, and not lengthy after internet hosting the Brits, she stop showbusiness.
The former TV star’s final gig was working with a younger Jonathan Ross in 1991 on a present to mark the thirtieth anniversary of Amnesty International.
However, since then Cathy, who’s now 83, has stayed out of the highlight.
Reflecting on this Michael, 63, as soon as informed The Big Issue: “She’s a bit older than me.
“She was as soon as one of the most famous ladies in the nation, lauded by everybody.
“And she doesn’t give a monkey’s about it.
“She’d never give an interview about it, she’s not involved in wanting again.
The One Show star Michael additionally admitted she isn’t “interested” in fame.
“After Ready Steady Go!, Cath made a conscious decision to walk away from public life,” he informed the Daily Mail in 2013.
“She’s simply not interested in any of that anymore.”
But the singer did reveal Cathy’s choice to cease being on TV “wasn’t through a lack of offers”.
“Not a week goes by without someone new approaching her with an idea for a show based on the Sixties and she always and absolutely turns them down,” he informed the outlet at the time.
“I completely respect her want for privateness.
“So it’s hard for her that she happens to have a partner in the public eye.”
Despite being collectively since the late 80s, Cathy and Michael have never married, one thing the singer has beforehand mentioned.
“It’s just not something that we need to do,” The Phantom of the Opera star informed The Mirror in 2019.
“My public life is insane, but once that front door closes I leave that version of myself outside and I just like to relax at home.”
Michael added: “We’re understanding of each other, we’re respectful and we like each other.”
The couple additionally share a 20-year age distinction, one thing that has never bothered both of them.
“Every night is a date night with Cathy! I’m too old to be a toy boy, and age has never been an issue or thought about,” he informed informed Platinum journal.
“All I can say is I wish I looked as young as she does, because she looks amazing!”
While the couple don’t share any youngsters, Michael is stepfather to Cathy’s daughter from her first marriage, Emma.
