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{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2023}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Ben Ofoedu
| name = Ben Ofoedu
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| alt =
| alt =
| caption =
| caption =
| birth_name =
| birth_name = Benedict Spencer Ofoedu
| alias =
| alias =
| birth_date =
| birth_date =
| birth_place = [[Hong Kong]]
| birth_place = [[British Hong Kong]]
| origin =
| origin =
| genre =
| genre =
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| years_active = 1989–present
| years_active = 1989–present
| label =
| label =
| current_member_of =
| current_member_of = [[Intenso Project]]
| past_member_of = {{hlist|[[Phats & Small]]|[[Intenso Project]]}}
| past_member_of = {{hlist|[[Phats & Small]]|[[Benz (group)|Benz]]|First Impact}}
| website =
| website =
}}
}}
'''Benedict Spencer Ofoedu''' is a [[British Nigerian|Nigerian/British]] singer-songwriter. He is best known for being the former fiancée of [[Vanessa Feltz]] and for his media appearances therewith, though he had some success as a vocalist, having sung on ten [[UK Singles Chart]] entries as part of [[Benz (group)|Benz]], [[Phats & Small]], and [[Intenso Project]]; a solo single, "Your Love", charted at No. 76 on the same chart.
'''Benedict Spencer Ofoedu''' ({{IPAc-en|oʊ|f|eɪ|d|uː}}) is a British singer-songwriter. He is best known for being the former fiancé of [[Vanessa Feltz]] and for his media appearances arising from this – although he had some success as a vocalist, having sung on ten [[UK Singles Chart]] entries as part of [[Benz (group)|Benz]], [[Phats & Small]], and [[Intenso Project]]; a solo single, "Your Love", charted at No. 76 on the same chart.


==Career==
==Early life==
Benedict Spencer Ofoedu<ref name="ipo">{{cite web|url=https://www.ipo.gov.uk/tm/legal/decisions/2000/o31500.pdf|title=Trade Marks Opposition Decision (O/315/00)|publisher=[[IPO]]|accessdate=3 May 2023|archive-date=3 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103035114/https://www.ipo.gov.uk/tm/legal/decisions/2000/o31500.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> ({{IPAc-en|oʊ|f|eɪ|d|uː}})<ref name="aad">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLPZ_v_v5GY|title=Shape Your Future Podcast Episode 112: Ben Ofoedu, Singer and Song Writer|date=16 December 2016|publisher=[[YouTube]]|access-date=3 May 2023|archive-date=3 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503103511/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLPZ_v_v5GY|url-status=live}}</ref> was born in [[British Hong Kong|Hong Kong]] and moved to the United Kingdom with his family when he was two years old. His parents were [[Igbo people|Igbo]]; his father was a merchant seaman.<ref name="magzter">{{cite web|url=https://www.magzter.com/stories/Culture/Ink-Pellet/Turned-Around|title=Turned Around|publisher=Magzter|accessdate=1 May 2023|archive-date=1 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230501113941/https://www.magzter.com/stories/Culture/Ink-Pellet/Turned-Around|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Early life and music===
Benedict Spencer Ofoedu<ref name="ipo">{{cite web|url=https://www.ipo.gov.uk/tm/legal/decisions/2000/o31500.pdf|title=Trade Marks Opposition Decision (O/315/00)|publisher=[[IPO]]|accessdate=3 May 2023}}</ref> was born in [[Hong Kong]] and moved to the United Kingdom with his family when he was two years old. His parents were [[Igbo people|Igbo]]; his father was a merchant seaman.<ref name="magzter">{{cite web|url=https://www.magzter.com/stories/Culture/Ink-Pellet/Turned-Around|title=Turned Around|publisher=Magzter|accessdate=1 May 2023}}</ref> In 1989, Ofoedu featured on the tracks "Don't Stop" and "The Deep", from [[Brian Dougans|Humanoid]]'s [[Global (Humanoid album)|Global]].<ref name="global">{{cite AV media notes|title=Global|author=Humanoid|date=1 May 2023|publisher=[[Westside Records]]}}</ref> In 1993, Ofoedu joined the band [[Benz (group)|Benz]]; the band also contained [[Overlord X]].<ref name="LarkinDM">{{cite book|title=[[Encyclopedia of Popular Music|The Virgin Encyclopedia of Dance Music]]|editor=[[Colin Larkin (writer)|Colin Larkin]]|publisher=[[Virgin Books]]|date=1998|edition=First|isbn=0-7535-0252-6|page=255}}</ref> The group had five singles enter the [[UK Singles Chart]]; "Boom Rock Soul" (No. 62), "Urban City Girl" (No. 31), "Miss Parker" (No. 35), "If I Remember" (No. 59), and "On A Sun-Day" (No. 73).<ref name="benz">{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/698/benz/|title=BENZ|publisher=[[The Official Charts Company]]|accessdate=2 May 2023}}</ref>


== Career ==
⚫
In 1999 he became the singer of [[Phats & Small]]<ref name="lep"/> after they found they needed a frontman for their hit single [[Turn Around (Phats & Small song)|Turn Around]],<ref name="arena">{{cite book|first=James|last=Arena|title=Stars of 21st Century Dance Pop and EDM; 33 DJs, Producers and Singers Discuss Their Careers|publisher=McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers|date=15 May 2017}}</ref> which peaked at No. 2 on the [[UK Singles Chart]].<ref name="tacc">{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/7212/phats-and-small/|title=PHATS & SMALL|publisher=[[The Official Charts Company]]|accessdate=1 May 2023}}</ref> Ofoedu would later sing on their singles "Feel Good" and "Tonite",<ref name="whati">{{cite AV media notes|title=[[Now Phats What I Small Music]]|year=1999|publisher=[[Multiply Records]]|author=[[Phats & Small]]}}</ref> which charted at No. 7 and No. 11 on the [[UK Singles Chart]].<ref name="tacc"/> In 2000, he released a solo single "Your Love"<ref name="lep"/> under the name "Ben", which charted at No. 76 on that chart.<ref name="yourlove">{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/31762/ben/|title=BEN|publisher=[[The Official Charts Company]]|accessdate=3 May 2023}}</ref> In 2001, he joined REDhill, a [[rap rock]] band,<ref name="aad">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLPZ_v_v5GY|title=Shape Your Future Podcast Episode 112: Ben Ofoedu, Singer and Song Writer|date=16 December 2016|publisher=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> whose other members were Mark Brightman, Rodney Williams, and [[Shane Lynch]]; they were never signed, and disbanded in 2002, before Ofoedu, Brightman, Williams, and Tony Thompson formed Four Story in late 2003,<ref name="chaps">{{cite web|url=https://www.guardian-series.co.uk/news/693482.four-chaps-with-a-euro-vision/|title=Four chaps with a Euro-vision|publisher=East London and West Essex Guardian|accessdate=3 May 2023}}</ref> who with "Hand on My Heart" appeared on ''[[Making Your Mind Up (TV series)|Making Your Mind Up]]'' with the intention of representing the United Kingdom at the [[Eurovision Song Contest]]; they came fifth.<ref name="lep"/>


=== 1980s and 1990s: Early career ===
⚫
In 2002, he joined [[Intenso Project]],<ref name="lep">{{Cite web|title=Boyz On Block: Who exactly are the band that have been asked to perform at Preston's Christmas lights?|url=https://www.lep.co.uk/whats-on/arts-and-entertainment/boyz-block-who-exactly-are-band-have-been-asked-perform-prestons-christmas-lights-933411|website=[[Lancashire Evening Post]]|language=en|access-date=2020-05-28}}</ref> which peaked at No. 22, No. 32, and No. 23 on the [[UK Singles Chart]] with "Luv Da Sunshine" "Your Music" featuring Laura Jaye, and "[[Get It On (Intenso Project song)|Get It On]]" featuring [[Lisa Scott-Lee]].<ref name="ipocc">{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/12333/intenso-project/|title=Intenso Project|publisher=[[Official Charts Company]]|access-date=14 August 2022}}</ref> In 2008, he wrote [[Chanelle Hayes]]' [[I Want It]].<ref name="ch">{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a95607/so-this-chanelle-hayes-single/|title=So, this Chanelle Hayes single...|publisher=[[DigitalSpy]]|accessdate=1 May 2023}}</ref> On 11 March 2017, he appeared as a fifth of Boys Allowed, a parody of [[Girls Aloud]], on [[Let's Sing and Dance]].<ref name="lsad">{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/reality-tv/a823240/gareth-gates-duncan-james-jon-lee-boys-allowed-lets-sing-and-dance-for-comic-relief/|title=Members of our favourite boy bands unite for a Girls Aloud classic on Let's Sing and Dance for Comic Relief|publisher=[[Digital Spy]]|accessdate=1 May 2021}}</ref> On 13 April 2018, he featured on The Power Of Muzik's "Bruised" featuring [[Michael Rice (singer)|Michael Rice]], Asher Knight, [[Luena Martinez]] and Angels N Bandits,<ref name="pomspotify">{{cite web|url=https://open.spotify.com/artist/09v38TIkNWGA7XCvFrcbLG/discography/all|title=Power Of Muzik - Discography|publisher=[[Spotify]]|accessdate=25 April 2023}}</ref> a charity single which raised money for [[Barnardo's]],<ref name="wg">{{cite web|url=https://www.wandsworthguardian.co.uk/news/16155262.anti-bullying-music-tour-visit-battersea-school/|title=Anti-bullying music tour to visit Battersea school|publisher=Wandsworth Guardian|accessdate=27 April 2023}}</ref> and in 2019, he formed [[Boyz on Block]].<ref name="lep"/>
In 1989, Ofoedu featured on the tracks "Don't Stop" and "The Deep", from [[Brian Dougans|Humanoid]]'s [[Global (Humanoid album)|Global]].<ref name="global">{{cite AV media notes|title=Global|author=Humanoid|date=1 May 2023|publisher=[[Westside Records]]}}</ref> He then formed Big Ben & The Fox.<ref name="echoes">{{cite AV media|work=[[Echoes (magazine)|Echoes]]|title=boombastic|date=23 December 1995|page=17|first=Alain|last=Clapham}}</ref> In 1993, Ofoedu joined the band [[Benz (group)|Benz]] under the name B.I.G. Ben, along with [[Overlord X|Tim Shade]] (Benjamin Balogun), and [[Anthony Benedict Thompson|Darkboy]] (Anthony Benedict Thompson);<ref name="ipo" /> The group had five singles enter the [[UK Singles Chart]]; "Boom Rock Soul" (No. 62), "Urban City Girl" (No. 31), "Miss Parker" (No. 35), "If I Remember" (No. 59), and "On A Sun-Day" (No. 73).<ref name="benz">{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/698/benz/|title=BENZ|publisher=[[The Official Charts Company]]|accessdate=2 May 2023|archive-date=2 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502063246/https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/698/benz/|url-status=live}}</ref>

⚫
In 1999 he became the singer of [[Phats & Small]]<ref name="lep" /> after they found they needed a frontman for their hit single [[Turn Around (Phats & Small song)|Turn Around]],<ref name="arena">{{cite book|first=James|last=Arena|title=Stars of 21st Century Dance Pop and EDM; 33 DJs, Producers and Singers Discuss Their Careers|publisher=McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers|date=15 May 2017}}</ref> which peaked at No. 2 on the [[UK Singles Chart]].<ref name="tacc">{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/7212/phats-and-small/|title=PHATS & SMALL|publisher=[[The Official Charts Company]]|accessdate=1 May 2023|archive-date=1 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230501134518/https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/7212/phats-and-small/|url-status=live}}</ref> Ofoedu would later sing on their singles "Feel Good" and "Tonite",<ref name="whati">{{cite AV media notes|title=[[Now Phats What I Small Music]]|year=1999|publisher=[[Multiply Records]]|author=[[Phats & Small]]}}</ref> which charted at No. 7 and No. 11 on the [[UK Singles Chart]].<ref name="tacc" /> In 2000, he released a solo single "Your Love"<ref name="lep" /> under the name "Ben", which charted at No. 76 on that chart.<ref name="yourlove">{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/31762/ben/|title=BEN|publisher=[[The Official Charts Company]]|accessdate=3 May 2023|archive-date=3 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503104053/https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/31762/ben/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== 2000s and 2010s: REDhill, Intenso Project, and Boyz on Block ===
In 2001, he joined REDhill, whose other members were Mark Brightman, Rodney Williams, and [[Shane Lynch]]; they were never signed, and disbanded in 2002. Ofoedu, Brightman, Williams, and [[Anthony Benedict Thompson|Tony Thompson]] would later form Four Story in late 2003,<ref name="chaps">{{cite web|url=https://www.guardian-series.co.uk/news/693482.four-chaps-with-a-euro-vision/|title=Four chaps with a Euro-vision|date=23 February 2006 |publisher=East London and West Essex Guardian|accessdate=3 May 2023|archive-date=3 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503101853/https://www.guardian-series.co.uk/news/693482.four-chaps-with-a-euro-vision/|url-status=live}}</ref> who with "Hand on My Heart" appeared on ''[[Making Your Mind Up (TV series)|Making Your Mind Up]]'' with the intention of representing the United Kingdom at the [[Eurovision Song Contest]]; they came fifth.<ref name="lep" />

⚫
In 2002, he joined [[Intenso Project]],<ref name="lep">{{Cite web|title=Boyz On Block: Who exactly are the band that have been asked to perform at Preston's Christmas lights?|url=https://www.lep.co.uk/whats-on/arts-and-entertainment/boyz-block-who-exactly-are-band-have-been-asked-perform-prestons-christmas-lights-933411|website=[[Lancashire Evening Post]]|date=11 October 2019 |language=en|access-date=28 May 2020|archive-date=13 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613030235/https://www.lep.co.uk/whats-on/arts-and-entertainment/boyz-block-who-exactly-are-band-have-been-asked-perform-prestons-christmas-lights-933411|url-status=live}}</ref> which peaked at No. 22, No. 32, and No. 23 on the [[UK Singles Chart]] with "Luv Da Sunshine", "Your Music" featuring Laura Jaye, and "[[Get It On (Intenso Project song)|Get It On]]" featuring [[Lisa Scott-Lee]].<ref name="ipocc">{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/12333/intenso-project/|title=Intenso Project|publisher=[[Official Charts Company]]|access-date=14 August 2022|archive-date=14 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220814075032/https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/12333/intenso-project/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2008, he wrote [[Chanelle Hayes]]' "[[I Want It]]".<ref name="ch">{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a95607/so-this-chanelle-hayes-single/|title=So, this Chanelle Hayes single...|date=9 May 2008 |publisher=[[DigitalSpy]]|accessdate=1 May 2023|archive-date=1 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230501130128/https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a95607/so-this-chanelle-hayes-single/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 11 March 2017, he appeared as one fifth of Boys Allowed, a parody of [[Girls Aloud]], on ''[[Let's Sing and Dance]]''.<ref name="lsad">{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/reality-tv/a823240/gareth-gates-duncan-james-jon-lee-boys-allowed-lets-sing-and-dance-for-comic-relief/|title=Members of our favourite boy bands unite for a Girls Aloud classic on Let's Sing and Dance for Comic Relief|date=11 March 2017 |publisher=[[Digital Spy]]|accessdate=1 May 2021|archive-date=11 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190511230228/https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/reality-tv/a823240/gareth-gates-duncan-james-jon-lee-boys-allowed-lets-sing-and-dance-for-comic-relief/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 13 April 2018, he featured on the Power of Muzik's "Bruised",<ref name="pomspotify"/> a charity single which raised money for [[Barnardo's]]<ref name="wg">{{cite web|url=https://www.wandsworthguardian.co.uk/news/16155262.anti-bullying-music-tour-visit-battersea-school/|title=Anti-bullying music tour to visit Battersea school|date=12 April 2018 |publisher=Wandsworth Guardian|accessdate=27 April 2023|archive-date=27 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427113022/https://www.wandsworthguardian.co.uk/news/16155262.anti-bullying-music-tour-visit-battersea-school/|url-status=live}}</ref> and which also featured [[All Together Now (British TV series)|''All Together Now'']] winner [[Michael Rice (singer)|Michael Rice]],<ref name="hartlepool">{{cite web|url=https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/news/hartlepool-singer-michael-rice-uses-the-power-of-music-to-tackle-bullying-294976|title=Hartlepool singer Michael Rice uses the power of music to tackle bullying|date=4 May 2018 |publisher=[[Hartlepool Mail]]|accessdate=20 May 2023}}</ref> Asher Knight, Angels N Bandits, and [[Luena Martinez]],<ref name="pomspotify">{{cite web|url=https://open.spotify.com/artist/09v38TIkNWGA7XCvFrcbLG/discography/all|title=Power Of Muzik – Discography|publisher=[[Spotify]]|accessdate=25 April 2023|archive-date=25 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425131329/https://open.spotify.com/artist/09v38TIkNWGA7XCvFrcbLG/discography/all|url-status=live}}</ref> who would later win ''[[The X Factor: The Band]]'' as part of [[RLY]].<ref name="bbc">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-50807862|title=X Factor: Can The Band winners Real Like You be successful?|work=BBC News |date=16 December 2019 |accessdate=27 April 2023|archive-date=27 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427083408/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-50807862|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2019, he co-founded the boy band pop supergroup [[Boyz on Block]].<ref name="lep"/>


===Television career===
===Television career===
Ofoedu has appeared on ''[[Never Mind the Buzzcocks]]'' four times; as a panellist he appeared on 14 October 1999<ref name="buzzcocks1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/never_mind_the_buzzcocks/episodes/6/6/|title=Never Mind The Buzzcocks Series 6, Episode 6|first=British Comedy|last=Guide|website=British Comedy Guide|accessdate=1 May 2023}}</ref> and 4 October 2004,<ref name="buzzcocks2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/never_mind_the_buzzcocks/episodes/15/3/|title=Never Mind The Buzzcocks Series 15, Episode 3|first=British Comedy|last=Guide|website=British Comedy Guide|accessdate=1 May 2023}}</ref> and as one of the Identity Parade he appeared on 17 November 2014<ref name="buzzcocks3">{{cite AV media|title=Series 28, Episode 7|date=17 November 2014|publisher=[[BBC Two]]|series=[[Never Mind the Buzzcocks]]}}</ref> and 12 October 2021.<ref name="buzzcocks4">{{cite AV media|title=Series 29, Episode 4|date=12 October 2021|publisher=[[Sky Max]]|series=[[Never Mind the Buzzcocks]]}}</ref> On 22 September 2006, Ofoedu performed magic tricks on ''[[The All Star Talent Show]]'', where he came fifth.<ref name="ast">{{cite AV media|title=Episode 3|series=[[The All Star Talent Show]]|date=22 September 2006|publisher=[[Channel 5 (British TV channel)|Channel 5]]}}</ref> On 29 March 2015, Ofoedu appeared on the BBC's ''[[The Big Questions]]'', where the big question in question was "Do you need to be born again to be a Christian?".<ref name="BBC 1970">{{cite web | title=Episode 12, Series 8, The Big Questions | publisher=BBC | date=1 January 1970 | url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05q0089 | accessdate=19 June 2016}}</ref> On 29 November 2015, he appeared on [[Fern Britton Meets...]],<ref name="fb">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06r166x|title=Fern Britton Meets..., Series 7, Shane Lynch|publisher=[[BBC]]|accessdate=1 May 2023}}</ref> and in September 2022, Ofoedu appeared on ''[[Pointless Celebrities]]''.<ref name="sep22">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001bv3c|title=Pointless Celebrities, Series 15, Music|publisher=[[BBC]]|accessdate=1 May 2023}}</ref>
Ofoedu has appeared on ''[[Never Mind the Buzzcocks]]'' four times; as a panellist he appeared on 14 October 1999<ref name="buzzcocks1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/never_mind_the_buzzcocks/episodes/6/6/|title=Never Mind The Buzzcocks Series 6, Episode 6|first=British Comedy|last=Guide|website=British Comedy Guide|accessdate=1 May 2023|archive-date=1 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230501184111/https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/never_mind_the_buzzcocks/episodes/6/6/|url-status=live}}</ref> and 4 October 2004,<ref name="buzzcocks2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/never_mind_the_buzzcocks/episodes/15/3/|title=Never Mind The Buzzcocks Series 15, Episode 3|first=British Comedy|last=Guide|website=British Comedy Guide|accessdate=1 May 2023|archive-date=30 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430182211/https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/never_mind_the_buzzcocks/episodes/15/3/|url-status=live}}</ref> and as one of the Identity Parade he appeared on 17 November 2014<ref name="buzzcocks3">{{cite AV media|title=Series 28, Episode 7|date=17 November 2014|publisher=[[BBC Two]]|series=[[Never Mind the Buzzcocks]]}}</ref> and 12 October 2021.<ref name="buzzcocks4">{{cite AV media|title=Series 29, Episode 4|date=12 October 2021|publisher=[[Sky Max]]|series=[[Never Mind the Buzzcocks]]}}</ref> On 22 September 2006, Ofoedu performed magic tricks on ''[[The All Star Talent Show]]'', where he came fifth.<ref name="ast">{{cite AV media|title=Episode 3|series=[[The All Star Talent Show]]|date=22 September 2006|publisher=[[Channel 5 (British TV channel)|Channel 5]]}}</ref> On 29 March 2015, Ofoedu appeared on the BBC's ''[[The Big Questions]]'', where the big question in question was "Do you need to be born again to be a Christian?".<ref name="BBC 1970">{{cite web | title=Episode 12, Series 8, The Big Questions | publisher=BBC | date=1 January 1970 | url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05q0089 | accessdate=19 June 2016 | archive-date=1 April 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150401042313/http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05q0089 | url-status=live }}</ref> On 29 November 2015, he appeared on [[Fern Britton Meets...]],<ref name="fb">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06r166x|title=Fern Britton Meets..., Series 7, Shane Lynch|publisher=[[BBC]]|accessdate=1 May 2023|archive-date=16 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230516215113/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06r166x|url-status=live}}</ref> and in September 2022, Ofoedu appeared on ''[[Pointless Celebrities]]''.<ref name="sep22">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001bv3c|title=Pointless Celebrities, Series 15, Music|publisher=[[BBC]]|accessdate=1 May 2023|archive-date=4 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220904005707/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001bv3c|url-status=live}}</ref>


In April 2007, he and his then-fiancée [[Vanessa Feltz]] turned up on an episode of Channel 4's ''[[Wife Swap (UK TV series)|Celebrity Wife Swap]]'', in which she spent a week with [[Paul Daniels]], and Ofoedu spent a week with [[Debbie McGee]].<ref name="hs">{{cite web|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/default_content/12774459.sorry-vanessa-now-magic/|title=Sorry for Vanessa? Now that's magic|publisher=[[Herald Scotland]]|accessdate=30 April 2023}}</ref> On 22 September 2007, Feltz and Ofoedu won £150,000 on ''[[Who Wants To Be a Millionaire]]''.<ref name="millionaire">{{cite web|url=https://www.mylondon.news/news/celebs/bbc-radio-london-presenter-vanessa-19810155|title=BBC Radio London presenter Vanessa Feltz's famous partner who was a 90s pop star|publisher=[[MyLondon]]|accessdate=30 April 2023}}</ref> Between 10 January<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/interviews/a296603/vanessa-feltz--ben-ofoedu-the-vanessa-show.html|title=Interview – Vanessa Feltz & Ben Ofoedu ('The Vanessa Show')|publisher=[[Digital Spy]]|date=8 January 2011|accessdate=30 April 2023}}</ref> and 24 June 2011, Ofoedu and Feltz co-hosted [[Channel 5 (UK)|Channel 5]]'s ''The Vanessa Show''.<ref name="vs">{{cite AV media|title=24 June 2011|publisher=[[Channel 5 (British TV channel)|Channel 5]]|series=The Vanessa Show}}</ref> In July 2011, the pair appeared on ''[[Pointless (game show)|Pointless Celebrities]]'', reaching the final, but failing to win the jackpot for their charity;<ref name="justwatch">{{cite web|url=https://www.justwatch.com/uk/tv-series/pointless-celebrities/season-1 |title=JustWatch |publisher=JustWatch |date= |accessdate=2016-07-26}}</ref> they appeared again in February 2019, winning £2,500.<ref name="feb2019">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0c2jy07|title=Pointless Celebrities, Series 11, Family|publisher=[[BBC]]|accessdate=1 May 2023}}</ref> They also appeared on ''[[All Star Mr & Mrs]]'' in July 2014,<ref name="m&m">{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180304054937/https://www.itv.com/presscentre/ep5week29/all-star-mr-mrs|url=https://www.itv.com/presscentre/ep5week29/all-star-mr-mrs|title=All Star Mr & Mrs Episode 5|publisher=[[ITV1|ITV]]|archivedate=30 April 2023}}</ref> and on ''[[Celebrity Big Brother]]''{{'}}s "Bit On the Side" as panel members on 1 September 2014.<ref name="CBB">{{cite AV media | title=1 September 2014 | publisher=Channel 5 | series=[[Celebrity Big Brother]]: Bit on the Side}}</ref>
In April 2007, he and his then-fiancée [[Vanessa Feltz]] turned up on an episode of Channel 4's ''[[Wife Swap (British TV series)|Celebrity Wife Swap]]'', in which she spent a week with [[Paul Daniels]], and Ofoedu spent a week with [[Debbie McGee]].<ref name="hs">{{cite web|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/default_content/12774459.sorry-vanessa-now-magic/|title=Sorry for Vanessa? Now that's magic|date=April 2007 |publisher=[[Herald Scotland]]|accessdate=30 April 2023|archive-date=30 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430114816/https://www.heraldscotland.com/default_content/12774459.sorry-vanessa-now-magic/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 22 September 2007, Feltz and Ofoedu won £150,000 on ''[[Who Wants To Be a Millionaire]]''.<ref name="millionaire">{{cite web|url=https://www.mylondon.news/news/celebs/bbc-radio-london-presenter-vanessa-19810155|title=BBC Radio London presenter Vanessa Feltz's famous partner who was a 90s pop star|date=10 February 2021 |publisher=[[MyLondon]]|accessdate=30 April 2023|archive-date=30 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430140812/https://www.mylondon.news/news/celebs/bbc-radio-london-presenter-vanessa-19810155|url-status=live}}</ref> Between 10 January<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/interviews/a296603/vanessa-feltz--ben-ofoedu-the-vanessa-show.html|title=Interview – Vanessa Feltz & Ben Ofoedu ('The Vanessa Show')|publisher=[[Digital Spy]]|date=8 January 2011|accessdate=30 April 2023|archive-date=23 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023033056/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/interviews/a296603/vanessa-feltz--ben-ofoedu-the-vanessa-show.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and 24 June 2011, Ofoedu and Feltz co-hosted [[Channel 5 (UK)|Channel 5]]'s ''The Vanessa Show''.<ref name="vs">{{cite AV media|title=24 June 2011|publisher=[[Channel 5 (British TV channel)|Channel 5]]|series=The Vanessa Show}}</ref> In July 2011, the pair appeared on ''[[Pointless|Pointless Celebrities]]'', reaching the final, but failing to win the jackpot for their charity;<ref name="justwatch">{{cite web |url=https://www.justwatch.com/uk/tv-series/pointless-celebrities/season-1 |title=JustWatch |publisher=JustWatch |date= |accessdate=26 July 2016 |archive-date=30 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430140802/https://www.justwatch.com/uk/tv-series/pointless-celebrities/season-1 |url-status=live }}</ref> they appeared again in February 2019, winning £2,500.<ref name="feb2019">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0c2jy07|title=Pointless Celebrities, Series 11, Family|publisher=[[BBC]]|accessdate=1 May 2023|archive-date=1 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230501142312/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0c2jy07|url-status=live}}</ref> They also appeared on ''[[All Star Mr & Mrs]]'' in July 2014,<ref name="m&m">{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180304054937/https://www.itv.com/presscentre/ep5week29/all-star-mr-mrs|archive-date=4 March 2018|url=https://www.itv.com/presscentre/ep5week29/all-star-mr-mrs|title=All Star Mr & Mrs Episode 5|publisher=[[ITV1|ITV]]}}</ref> and on ''[[Celebrity Big Brother]]''{{'}}s "Bit On the Side" as panel members on 1 September 2014.<ref name="CBB">{{cite AV media | title=1 September 2014 | publisher=Channel 5 | series=[[Celebrity Big Brother]]: Bit on the Side}}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
He was engaged to television and radio presenter [[Vanessa Feltz]] between 2006<ref>{{Cite news|title=Vanessa Feltz returns to Big Brother as Nadia and Makosi get booted out |url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/showbiz/television-news/2010/09/04/vanessa-feltz-returns-to-big-brother-as-nadia-and-makosi-get-booted-out-86908-22536573/|accessdate=15 September 2010|work=Daily Record|date=4 September 2010}}</ref> and 2023;<ref name="huff"/> the pair were introduced by [[Keith Duffy]].<ref name="bounce">{{cite web|url=https://bouncemagazine.co.uk/q-a-with-ben-ofoedu/|title=Q&amp; A with Ben Ofoedu|publisher=Bounce Magazine|accessdate=1 May 2023}}</ref> The pair did not marry due to Feltz's previous bad experiences with marriage (her previous husband had cheated on her),<ref name="bm">{{cite web|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/showbiz-tv/vanessa-feltz-shares-reason-refused-26196829|title=Vanessa Feltz shares reason she refused to marry Ben Ofoedu before split|publisher=[[Birmingham Mail]]|accessdate=1 May 2023}}</ref> and they split up due to Ofoedu also cheating on her.<ref name="huff">{{cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/ben-ofoedu-admits-to-cheating-on-vanessa-feltz_uk_63e8b6b0e4b02c25737715d3|title=Ben Ofoedu Admits To Cheating On Vanessa Feltz As He Breaks Silence On Split|publisher=[[Huffington Post]]|accessdate=1 May 2023}}</ref> He has been a [[Christian]] since 1991.<ref name="challan">{{cite web|url=http://challancarmichael.co.uk/artist/ben-ofoedu|title=Ben Ofoedu|publisher=Challan Carmichael|accessdate=1 May 2023}}</ref>
Ofoedu is a [[born-again Christian]];<ref name="guardian">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2006/nov/29/broadcasting.g2|title=When more is more|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=29 November 2006 |accessdate=18 May 2023 |last1=Cochrane |first1=Kira }}</ref> his nickname in [[Benz (group)|Benz]], B.I.G. Ben, was short for Believe In God Ben.<ref name="billboard">{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qQkEAAAAMBAJ&q=benz&pg=PA61|title=Billboard|date=22 June 1996|accessdate=3 March 2023|archive-date=3 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503093717/https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=qQkEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA61&dq=benz+hackney+%22t.i.m.+shade%22&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjUuPyqxdj-AhVTg1wKHUo7BfoQ6AF6BAgHEAI#v=onepage&q=benz&f=false|url-status=live}}</ref> He was engaged to television and radio presenter [[Vanessa Feltz]] between 2006<ref>{{Cite news|title='It gets worse': Vanessa Feltz on 'bloody annoying' age gap with musician partner Ben Ofoedu|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/love-sex/vanessa-feltz-ben-ofoedu-age-gap-b2254258.html|accessdate=15 September 2010|work=[[The Independent]]|date=1 January 2023}}</ref> and 2023;<ref name="huff"/> the pair did not marry due to Feltz's previous bad experiences with marriage (her previous husband had cheated on her),<ref name="bm">{{cite web|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/showbiz-tv/vanessa-feltz-shares-reason-refused-26196829|title=Vanessa Feltz shares reason she refused to marry Ben Ofoedu before split|date=9 February 2023 |publisher=[[Birmingham Mail]]|accessdate=1 May 2023|archive-date=1 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230501113951/https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/showbiz-tv/vanessa-feltz-shares-reason-refused-26196829|url-status=live}}</ref> and they split up due to Ofoedu also cheating on her.<ref name="huff">{{cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/ben-ofoedu-admits-to-cheating-on-vanessa-feltz_uk_63e8b6b0e4b02c25737715d3|title=Ben Ofoedu Admits To Cheating On Vanessa Feltz As He Breaks Silence On Split|date=12 February 2023 |publisher=[[Huffington Post]]|accessdate=1 May 2023|archive-date=1 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230501113941/https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/ben-ofoedu-admits-to-cheating-on-vanessa-feltz_uk_63e8b6b0e4b02c25737715d3|url-status=live}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ofoedu, Ben}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Hong Kong people]]
[[Category:20th-century British male singers]]
[[Category:21st-century British singers]]
[[Category:21st-century British male singers]]
[[Category:20th-century Black British male singers]]
[[Category:21st-century Black British male singers]]
[[Category:English people of Nigerian descent]]
[[Category:Year of birth missing (living people)]]

Latest revision as of 18:11, 26 October 2024

Ben Ofoedu
Birth nameBenedict Spencer Ofoedu
BornBritish Hong Kong
Occupation
  • Musician
Years active1989–present
Member ofIntenso Project
Formerly of

Benedict Spencer Ofoedu (/oʊfeɪduː/) is a British singer-songwriter. He is best known for being the former fiancé of Vanessa Feltz and for his media appearances arising from this – although he had some success as a vocalist, having sung on ten UK Singles Chart entries as part of Benz, Phats & Small, and Intenso Project; a solo single, "Your Love", charted at No. 76 on the same chart.

Early life

[edit]

Benedict Spencer Ofoedu[1] (/oʊfeɪduː/)[2] was born in Hong Kong and moved to the United Kingdom with his family when he was two years old. His parents were Igbo; his father was a merchant seaman.[3]

Career

[edit]

1980s and 1990s: Early career

[edit]

In 1989, Ofoedu featured on the tracks "Don't Stop" and "The Deep", from Humanoid's Global.[4] He then formed Big Ben & The Fox.[5] In 1993, Ofoedu joined the band Benz under the name B.I.G. Ben, along with Tim Shade (Benjamin Balogun), and Darkboy (Anthony Benedict Thompson);[1] The group had five singles enter the UK Singles Chart; "Boom Rock Soul" (No. 62), "Urban City Girl" (No. 31), "Miss Parker" (No. 35), "If I Remember" (No. 59), and "On A Sun-Day" (No. 73).[6]

In 1999 he became the singer of Phats & Small[7] after they found they needed a frontman for their hit single Turn Around,[8] which peaked at No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart.[9] Ofoedu would later sing on their singles "Feel Good" and "Tonite",[10] which charted at No. 7 and No. 11 on the UK Singles Chart.[9] In 2000, he released a solo single "Your Love"[7] under the name "Ben", which charted at No. 76 on that chart.[11]

2000s and 2010s: REDhill, Intenso Project, and Boyz on Block

[edit]

In 2001, he joined REDhill, whose other members were Mark Brightman, Rodney Williams, and Shane Lynch; they were never signed, and disbanded in 2002. Ofoedu, Brightman, Williams, and Tony Thompson would later form Four Story in late 2003,[12] who with "Hand on My Heart" appeared on Making Your Mind Up with the intention of representing the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest; they came fifth.[7]

In 2002, he joined Intenso Project,[7] which peaked at No. 22, No. 32, and No. 23 on the UK Singles Chart with "Luv Da Sunshine", "Your Music" featuring Laura Jaye, and "Get It On" featuring Lisa Scott-Lee.[13] In 2008, he wrote Chanelle Hayes' "I Want It".[14] On 11 March 2017, he appeared as one fifth of Boys Allowed, a parody of Girls Aloud, on Let's Sing and Dance.[15] On 13 April 2018, he featured on the Power of Muzik's "Bruised",[16] a charity single which raised money for Barnardo's[17] and which also featured All Together Now winner Michael Rice,[18] Asher Knight, Angels N Bandits, and Luena Martinez,[16] who would later win The X Factor: The Band as part of RLY.[19] In 2019, he co-founded the boy band pop supergroup Boyz on Block.[7]

Television career

[edit]

Ofoedu has appeared on Never Mind the Buzzcocks four times; as a panellist he appeared on 14 October 1999[20] and 4 October 2004,[21] and as one of the Identity Parade he appeared on 17 November 2014[22] and 12 October 2021.[23] On 22 September 2006, Ofoedu performed magic tricks on The All Star Talent Show, where he came fifth.[24] On 29 March 2015, Ofoedu appeared on the BBC's The Big Questions, where the big question in question was "Do you need to be born again to be a Christian?".[25] On 29 November 2015, he appeared on Fern Britton Meets...,[26] and in September 2022, Ofoedu appeared on Pointless Celebrities.[27]

In April 2007, he and his then-fiancée Vanessa Feltz turned up on an episode of Channel 4's Celebrity Wife Swap, in which she spent a week with Paul Daniels, and Ofoedu spent a week with Debbie McGee.[28] On 22 September 2007, Feltz and Ofoedu won £150,000 on Who Wants To Be a Millionaire.[29] Between 10 January[30] and 24 June 2011, Ofoedu and Feltz co-hosted Channel 5's The Vanessa Show.[31] In July 2011, the pair appeared on Pointless Celebrities, reaching the final, but failing to win the jackpot for their charity;[32] they appeared again in February 2019, winning £2,500.[33] They also appeared on All Star Mr & Mrs in July 2014,[34] and on Celebrity Big Brother's "Bit On the Side" as panel members on 1 September 2014.[35]

Personal life

[edit]

Ofoedu is a born-again Christian;[36] his nickname in Benz, B.I.G. Ben, was short for Believe In God Ben.[37] He was engaged to television and radio presenter Vanessa Feltz between 2006[38] and 2023;[39] the pair did not marry due to Feltz's previous bad experiences with marriage (her previous husband had cheated on her),[40] and they split up due to Ofoedu also cheating on her.[39]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Trade Marks Opposition Decision (O/315/00)" (PDF). IPO. Archived (PDF) from the original on 3 November 2021. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
  2. ^ "Shape Your Future Podcast Episode 112: Ben Ofoedu, Singer and Song Writer". YouTube. 16 December 2016. Archived from the original on 3 May 2023. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
  3. ^ "Turned Around". Magzter. Archived from the original on 1 May 2023. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
  4. ^ Humanoid (1 May 2023). Global (Media notes). Westside Records.
  5. ^ Clapham, Alain (23 December 1995). boombastic. Echoes.
  6. ^ "BENZ". The Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on 2 May 2023. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
  7. ^ a b c d e "Boyz On Block: Who exactly are the band that have been asked to perform at Preston's Christmas lights?". Lancashire Evening Post. 11 October 2019. Archived from the original on 13 June 2021. Retrieved 28 May 2020.
  8. ^ Arena, James (15 May 2017). Stars of 21st Century Dance Pop and EDM; 33 DJs, Producers and Singers Discuss Their Careers. McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers.
  9. ^ a b "PHATS & SMALL". The Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on 1 May 2023. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
  10. ^ Phats & Small (1999). Now Phats What I Small Music (Media notes). Multiply Records.
  11. ^ "BEN". The Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on 3 May 2023. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
  12. ^ "Four chaps with a Euro-vision". East London and West Essex Guardian. 23 February 2006. Archived from the original on 3 May 2023. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
  13. ^ "Intenso Project". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on 14 August 2022. Retrieved 14 August 2022.
  14. ^ "So, this Chanelle Hayes single..." DigitalSpy. 9 May 2008. Archived from the original on 1 May 2023. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
  15. ^ "Members of our favourite boy bands unite for a Girls Aloud classic on Let's Sing and Dance for Comic Relief". Digital Spy. 11 March 2017. Archived from the original on 11 May 2019. Retrieved 1 May 2021.
  16. ^ a b "Power Of Muzik – Discography". Spotify. Archived from the original on 25 April 2023. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  17. ^ "Anti-bullying music tour to visit Battersea school". Wandsworth Guardian. 12 April 2018. Archived from the original on 27 April 2023. Retrieved 27 April 2023.
  18. ^ "Hartlepool singer Michael Rice uses the power of music to tackle bullying". Hartlepool Mail. 4 May 2018. Retrieved 20 May 2023.
  19. ^ "X Factor: Can The Band winners Real Like You be successful?". BBC News. 16 December 2019. Archived from the original on 27 April 2023. Retrieved 27 April 2023.
  20. ^ Guide, British Comedy. "Never Mind The Buzzcocks Series 6, Episode 6". British Comedy Guide. Archived from the original on 1 May 2023. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
  21. ^ Guide, British Comedy. "Never Mind The Buzzcocks Series 15, Episode 3". British Comedy Guide. Archived from the original on 30 April 2023. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
  22. ^ Series 28, Episode 7. Never Mind the Buzzcocks. BBC Two. 17 November 2014.
  23. ^ Series 29, Episode 4. Never Mind the Buzzcocks. Sky Max. 12 October 2021.
  24. ^ Episode 3. The All Star Talent Show. Channel 5. 22 September 2006.
  25. ^ "Episode 12, Series 8, The Big Questions". BBC. 1 January 1970. Archived from the original on 1 April 2015. Retrieved 19 June 2016.
  26. ^ "Fern Britton Meets..., Series 7, Shane Lynch". BBC. Archived from the original on 16 May 2023. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
  27. ^ "Pointless Celebrities, Series 15, Music". BBC. Archived from the original on 4 September 2022. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
  28. ^ "Sorry for Vanessa? Now that's magic". Herald Scotland. April 2007. Archived from the original on 30 April 2023. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
  29. ^ "BBC Radio London presenter Vanessa Feltz's famous partner who was a 90s pop star". MyLondon. 10 February 2021. Archived from the original on 30 April 2023. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
  30. ^ "Interview – Vanessa Feltz & Ben Ofoedu ('The Vanessa Show')". Digital Spy. 8 January 2011. Archived from the original on 23 October 2012. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
  31. ^ 24 June 2011. The Vanessa Show. Channel 5.
  32. ^ "JustWatch". JustWatch. Archived from the original on 30 April 2023. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
  33. ^ "Pointless Celebrities, Series 11, Family". BBC. Archived from the original on 1 May 2023. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
  34. ^ "All Star Mr & Mrs Episode 5". ITV. Archived from the original on 4 March 2018.
  35. ^ 1 September 2014. Celebrity Big Brother: Bit on the Side. Channel 5.
  36. ^ Cochrane, Kira (29 November 2006). "When more is more". The Guardian. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
  37. ^ "Billboard". 22 June 1996. Archived from the original on 3 May 2023. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
  38. ^ "'It gets worse': Vanessa Feltz on 'bloody annoying' age gap with musician partner Ben Ofoedu". The Independent. 1 January 2023. Retrieved 15 September 2010.
  39. ^ a b "Ben Ofoedu Admits To Cheating On Vanessa Feltz As He Breaks Silence On Split". Huffington Post. 12 February 2023. Archived from the original on 1 May 2023. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
  40. ^ "Vanessa Feltz shares reason she refused to marry Ben Ofoedu before split". Birmingham Mail. 9 February 2023. Archived from the original on 1 May 2023. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
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