After Dinner Speakers: Samantha Fox, Peter Gabriel, Craig David

b. 15 April 1966, London, England. While studying for her O-level examinations, 16-year-old Fox was "discovered" by the Sun newspaper and promoted as a topless model. Before long she became something of a British institution and a recording career beckoned. Her debut single in 1986, "Touch Me" elicited almost universally favourable reviews with critics registering surprise at her strong vocal performance. After the disc charted at number 3, she followed up with the sultry "Do Ya, Do Ya (Wanna Please Me)", which also hit the UK Top 10. Further major British hits followed with "Hold On Tight", "Nothing's Gonna Stop Me Now", and "I Surrender". Having proven that former newspaper models can be hit artists, Fox defied all expectations by exporting her talents to the USA, where she enjoyed even greater chart success with three Top 10 hits including "Naughty Girls", recorded with Full Force. Her albums were uneven but displayed her range to some effect, most notably on the acid house-inspired "Love House", which was also an UK hit. Over-exposure and increasing media prejudice finally persuaded her to relocate to America, but despite her strong visual appeal, particularly to the MTV audience, further hits were not forthcoming and Fox attempted to launch an acting and television career. In January 1996, she was banned from singing at a charity concert in Calcutta, India, owing to police fears she might cause a riot.