He enjoyed five years of chart domination with JLS bandmates Aston Merrygold, Marvin Humes and Oritsé Williams following theirX Factor runner-up placing in 2008. And JB Gill is no stranger to living life in the fast lane and was launched back into it last October when JLS – who had disbanded in 2013 - embarked on a reunion tour and released their fifth studio album 2.0.
“In JLS, we were continually going!” JB recalls in an exclusive interview with Closer.
But the singer has opted for a slower pace of life and now resides on a 10-acre farm in Kent with his wife Chloe, their son Ace, seven, and daughter Chiara, three. And as JB launches Summertime Sonnets with Tenderstem - a podcast of recipes transformed into Shakespearean Sonnet form – he opens up about the benefits of countryside living and takes a trip down musical memory lane to 2008…
Summertime Sonnets
“Launching Summertime Sonnets with Tenderstem was a great project to be involved in. I come from a musical background, so being able to associate cooking with the sonnet, which is historically one of the most popular forms of verse, was a match made in heaven!” JB, 35, says.
The singer is an avid cook and hopes by reciting recipes, he can reinvigorate those who are feeling uninspired in the kitchen.
He adds, “I love cooking, whether it’s for myself or my family, so for me, anything that will inspire people to get in the kitchen is fantastic. Tenderstem also ticks the boxes for local produce and fresh produce, which is beneficial on my farm.”
JB was raised in Croydon and became a city-hopper during the JLS heyday, where they headed out on four nationwide tours between 2010 and 2013. And while he is wholly grateful for these moments, his farm is his haven.
He says, “I prefer country living as I can step back from the hustle and bustle of the city. I love my TV work and when I’m back with the boys, but I find de-stressing by taking a step away from the busyness is good for my mental health.”
The X Factor
With Louis Walsh as their mentor, JLS breezed through to The X Factor final in 2008, coming second to Alexandra Burke. JB acquired some fond memories during his time on the show and believes its potential return to TV screens would be a positive decision.
“JLS grew up on The X Factor and we enjoyed a lot of success off the back of it. I believe it is one of the most successful shows at producing musical talent and introducing new artists into the industry. I consider it to be only a good thing if it was brought back – although I don’t know what the format would be like. I don’t have a bad word to say about the show and have some amazing memories,” he says.
JLS’ momentous return to arenas last year was met with utter joy around the country and it was even more poignant as the boys’ families were involved. JB recalls, “It was so nice to get back on the road with JLS last year - we’ve always loved working with each other. It was great to get back in the studio, make a new album and then perform our songs across the country. We were blown away by the response, we weren’t expecting it. It was unbelievable and I felt incredibly humbled to be able to get back on stage!”
Tenderstem®’s Suppertime Sonnets have been created in partnership with JLS singer turned farmer, JB Gill, to reinvigorate our love of cooking. Search Suppertime Sonnets on Spotify to listen, available now.