JB Gill

Jonathan Benjamin Gill (born 7 December 1986) also known professionally JB Gill, is a British singer and television presenter. He is best known as a member of the boy band JLS, who were runners-up to Alexandra Burke on the fifth series of The X Factor in 2008. As part of the group he achieved five number-one singles on the UK Singles Charts and a number-one album on the UK Albums Charts. As of December 2013, JLS had sold over 10 million records before disbanding in 2013 and reuniting in 2020.

Early life

Jonathan Benjamin Gill was born on 7 December 1986 in Croydon, London. He is the son of Cynthia and Keith Gill and has one younger brother, Neequaye. He is of Antiguan descent. He spent the first five years of his life living in Antigua, discovering his musical talent at a very early age. After completing his exams at university, he decided to audition for The X Factor in 2007. It was at this point that he came into contact with the other members of JLS. Gill grew up, mostly, in Croydon and began making music at the age of seven when he played the recorder, piano, flute and guitar. At the age of nine, he joined the choir and went on to perform at the local church. Gill concentrated on his music and began studying at The Centre for Young Musicians.

After leaving the CYM, Gill stayed involved with the school music scene. He was involved with the choir at school. He continued this until he was 15 but had to give it up due to the pressures from the school to concentrate on his rugby career; he was involved with London Irish rugby club until he was 18. He eventually decided that he wanted to sing rather than play rugby and took up vocal coaching during a year out before attending university. During this period, Gill was contacted by Oritsé to try out for the band because of his musical ear and attention to harmonies. He studied theology at King's College London, staying in halls in Russell Square, before dropping out to pursue a music career.

Career

Gill joined boy band UFO, later known as JLS, in 2007. The group auditioned for The X Factor in 2008, managed by Louis Walsh. They finished runners-up behind Alexandra Burke. They later signed a record deal with Epic Records.

In December 2012, Gill won the Christmas Special of the BBC One dancing show Strictly Come Dancing, performing the Jive with Ola Jordan.

In 2013, JLS announced via Twitter they had decided to split up after their farewell tour and album and book.

In 2014, Gill sang on a song titled "Best Night OML" produced by Charlie Hedges. This made him the first member of JLS to release solo material. Later that year, Gill competed on Celebrity MasterChef.

Beginning on 1 February 2015, he took part in the second series of The Jump.

In August 2015, having been involved in the turkey farming industry for some years, he became one of the main presenters on CBeebies programme Down on the Farm alongside Storm Huntley.

In November 2015, he appeared on the show, Countryfile. In September 2016, he appeared on Who's Doing the Dishes?. In February 2017, he appeared on the ITV show Dance Dance Dance alongside his wife Chloe and finished in 3rd place. From 2017, he has been a presenter on the BBC's Songs of Praise.

In August 2024, twelve years after winning the Christmas special, Gill was announced as a contestant on the twenty-second series of Strictly Come Dancing.

Personal life

Gill used to play rugby but gave it up to concentrate on his singing career. He does, however, still take part in charity matches. He played for England in the 2015 fixture of Rugby Aid, which sees a team of celebrities and professional rugby players take part in an 'England vs The Rest of the World' match to raise money for the charity Help For Heroes.

In late 2008, Gill began dating backing dancer Chloe Tangney. They married in 2014 and have two children; a son called Ace Jeremiah Gill and a daughter called Chiara Sapphire Gill. Gill is a Christian.

Gill is a supporter of charities including the Red Cross and the Woodland Trust.

Filmography

Television

• The X Factor (2008) – Contestant, as part of JLS
• Countryfile (2012) – Guest
• The Paul O'Grady Show (2014) – Guest
• Celebrity MasterChef (2014) – Contestant
• The Jump (2015) – Contestant
• Down on the Farm (2015–present) – Presenter
• The Chase Celebrities (2015) – Contestant
• Tipping Point Lucky Stars (2016) – Contestant
• Dance Dance Dance (2017) – Contestant
• Songs of Praise (2017–present) – Presenter
• Richard Osman's House of Games (2018) – Contestant