David Essex

David Essex (David Albert Cook, b. 23 July 1947) is a British singer-songwriter, musician and actor. He first became famous through his hit singles as a solo artist in the early 1970s, going on to gain the leading role in film and stage productions. At the height of his recording career Essex had two no.1 singles, Gonna Make You A Star (1974) and Hold Me Close (1975), and a total of ten Top 10 and nineteen Top 40 singles. His self-titled second album reached no.2 in December 1974 where it stayed for four weeks, held off the top position by Elton John's Greatest Hits. His good looks and amiable persona made him one of the biggest British 'teen-idols' of the 1970s.

As an actor Essex had leading roles in the musical films That'll be The Day (1973), Stardust (19749 and Silver Dream Racer (1980). In 1977 he hosted his own TV series on BBC One. He continues to perform both as a singer and actor and in 2011 played the role of Eddie Moon in Eastenders. he has married three times.