Key Highlights
- Denise Van Outen discusses her career journey and personal life.
- The multi-faceted presenter reflects on her experiences in The Big Breakfast and Broadway.
- Van Outen shares insights into her relationship with Johnny Vaughan and her DJ career.
- She expresses pride in her one-woman show and upcoming tour.
The Making of a Multi-Talented Star: Denise Van Outen’s Journey
Born in Essex in 1974, Denise Van Outen has carved out a diverse career as an actress, singer, dancer, and television presenter. A familiar face to many Brits, she rose to prominence presenting The Big Breakfast on Channel 4 during the 1990s.
Van Outen’s early experiences in the industry were marked by both success and challenge. After a late-night show was panned by critics, she took it as an opportunity to reinvent herself. This pivotal moment led her to audition for and land the role of Roxy Hart in Chicago, a West End musical that not only changed people’s perception of her but also bolstered her confidence.
A Broadway Breakthrough: Healing Through Performing
The decision to go on stage was a significant shift for Van Outen. After going through a very public break-up with Jay Kay, she found solace in New York City. The time spent performing on Broadway helped mend her heart and provided the emotional catharsis she needed.
“Sometimes it pays off, sometimes it doesn’t,” Van Outen shares, emphasizing that even though things didn’t always go as planned, they ultimately led to personal growth. “The time in New York was a healing process for me.” Her experiences on Broadway have stayed with her and continue to shape her perspective.
The DJ Career: A Channel 4 Break-Up Story
Van Outen’s recent venture into DJing came after another relationship break-up, four years ago. She shares, “I was like: ‘OK, I found myself here again.’ I didn’t want to be Bridget Jones, with a bottle of wine crying into a pillow.” Instead, she threw herself into her new passion and quickly made a name for herself in the industry.
Van Outen’s journey as a DJ has been rapid. She started by self-teaching through YouTube tutorials and eventually secured residencies at major clubs like the one in Ibiza. Her transition from TV presenter to professional DJ showcases her versatility and resilience.
Pride in Performances: From Strictly Come Dancing to Broadway
Reflecting on her career, Van Outen expresses pride in several of her achievements. Among them is the one-woman show she performed solo called Tell Me on a Sunday, which Andrew Lloyd Webber wrote for her. She notes that these experiences are often underappreciated at the time but gain significance later in life.
Van Outen is gearing up for an upcoming tour, combining songs and stories from her memoir with performances of the songs written for her on Broadway. “It’ll be nice to get back on a stage, sing again and integrate with people,” she says excitedly. The tour promises to be a blend of nostalgia and new experiences.
Personal Growth and Future Plans
Van Outen’s life is not just about her professional achievements; it also includes her personal growth. She has a 15-year-old daughter, Betsy, who serves as a role model for the young woman she wants to be. Her career choices reflect both her personal values and her desire to inspire others.
Looking ahead, Van Outen mentions writing a sitcom with a friend as one of her future goals.
She is excited about this new project but takes it at her own pace. For now, she remains focused on the success of An Evening With Denise Van Outen – Songs, Stories and All That Jazz, which kicks off its UK tour in March.
Denise Van Outen’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and embracing every opportunity that comes her way. As she continues to evolve both personally and professionally, her journey serves as an inspiration for many.
