Alex Parks

The show: Fame Academy
What happened? Not your typical reality show winner, Parks revelled from the start in a sullen persona and “real musician” image. She initially snared column inches when everyone got excited about her being an out lesbian since the age of 14, but eventually found a worthy pop-folk furrow and some respect as a proper artist. Parks debut, self-penned single ‘Maybe That’s What It Takes’ rode the wave to No.3 in the chart in 2003 – since then, success has been harder to come by and she’s parted company with label Polydor and taken a sabbatical.
What’s next? Refreshed and recharged, Alex is back in the UK after travelling Australia, and threatening new material. Let’s hope the asymmetric hairstyle and trusty denims are still intact.