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16 Facts About Marti Caine

1.

Marti Caine, born Lynne Denise Shepherd, was an English comedienne, actress, dancer, presenter, singer, and writer, who first came to national attention by winning the television talent show New Faces in 1975, and went on to become a variety star on shows including the self-titled Marti Caine, and as host of the revived New Faces.

2.

Marti Caine won that year's competition, defeating both Lenny Henry and Victoria Wood.

3.

Marti Caine made more television appearances including the self-titled Marti Caine on BBC2; showcasing her dance, comedic and musical talents.

4.

Marti Caine married again eight years later, to the television director Kenneth Ives.

5.

Marti Caine led a UK tour of the musical production Funny Girl.

6.

Marti Caine starred in the BBC sitcom Hilary, which was written specifically for her.

7.

Marti Caine was the subject of This Is Your Life twice.

8.

Marti Caine recorded five albums, working with Karl Jenkins who wrote the signature tune "Quiet Please, The Lady's Gonna Sing" using the theme from Sibelius's 5th Symphony.

9.

However, Marti Caine spoke of her support for and work with the "black community".

10.

Marti Caine claimed she enjoyed black music and had recorded a number of Stevie Wonder songs.

11.

Marti Caine dedicated a medley as a Tribute to Gladys Knight on her first studio LP.

12.

Marti Caine developed lymphatic cancer and died in 1995 at High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.

13.

Marti Caine had spent the last years of her life campaigning on behalf of cancer charities.

14.

Marti Caine titled her autobiography A Coward's Chronicles to counteract the tabloid image of her as a paragon of courage and defiance.

15.

Marti Caine was an admirer of modern art, and Mick Farrell's sculpture Sheen is dedicated to her.

16.

The sculpture, frequently referred to as Marti Caine, is situated in Arundel Gate outside Sheffield Hallam University who commissioned it.