Ellis actress Sharon D Clarke's forgotten past in Eurovision and 90s band who had huge chart hit
She wants to give you 'Devotion'
Sharon D Clarke is currently playing “tenacious cop” DCI Ellis in the Channel detective drama of the same name. But she actually made her name belting out dance tunes in the 90s.
Now 59, the actress is best known for being “the first Black British DCI” on TV. Viewers will know DCI Ellis as a bit of a loner; a tough-talking, no-nonsense strategic thinker.
Sharon is also famous for her roles as consultant general surgeon and “wisecracking earth mother” Lola Griffin in Holby City.
But did you know that Ellis actress Sharon D Clarke was actually a singer before she was an actress? In fact, she enjoyed several top 10 chart hits, including one you will definitely have heard of. Here’s everything you need to know.
Ellis star Sharon D Clarke was in big dance acts
Sharon D Clarke had multiple top 10 hits in the UK during the early 90s. Dance fans will know her primarily as part of the acts Nomad and The FPI Project. If you’re of a certain age (cough, cough), you will definitely remember the dance track (I Wanna Give You) Devotion by Nomad. It featured MC Mikee Freedom and Sharon Dee Clarke as she was known then. See the videos below for a reminder.
Her key chart successes included:
- (I Wanna Give You) Devotion by Nomad in 1990 (reached no. 2 in the UK).
- Just a Groove by Nomad 1991 (number 16 in the UK Singles Chart)
- Going Back to My Roots by The FPI Project 1989 (reached no. 8 in the UK).
- Happiness by Serious Rope 1993 (a no. 1 club hit).
Actress and singer formed a group for the Eurovision Song Contest
Believe it or not, Sharon D Clarke was also part of the female vocal group Six Chix, formed for the Eurovision Song Contest 2000. Their song Only The Women Know finished second in Song For Europe and therefore did not quite make the big annual event. Nikki French ultimately represented the UK with the song Don’t Play That Song Again and came in 16th place.
Don't miss a single story! Add us as a Preferred Source in Google for all your television news
Six Chix were six women who had the unique selling point of being between 20 and 60. Their song hit no. 72 in the UK chart and only stayed in for its chart entry week. They had no other chart entries.
Six Chix were: Laura Witcombe (17), Becky McCormack (20), Cheri Nicolette (25), Sharon D Clarke (34), Lynda Hayes (42), and Linda Taylor (51).
The Eurovision Song Contest 2000 was the 45th year held on 13 May 2000 and took place in Stockholm, Sweden. The winner was Denmark with the song Fly on the Wings of Love.
What else is Sharon D Clarke famous for?
London-born actress Sharon D Clarke played Lola Griffin between 2005 and 2019. However her career spans more than 40 years. Her very first TV role was playing the Night Nurse in The Singing Detective in 1986. She’s subsequently starred in the likes of EastEnders, Silent Witness, Informer, and Doctor Who.
You’ll also know Sharon for heavy-hitting dramas including Showtrial, Lost Boys & Fairies, and Mr Loverman. Most recently, Sharon popped up in both Wicked films, providing the voice of Dulcibear.
She’s also very famous for her career in theatre, both musical and otherwise. She is a three-time Olivier Award winner, and has played multiple lead roles in many West End plays and musicals.
