Aled Jones: his son, ‘Walking in the Air’ and more facts about the singer and presenter
Aled Jones found fame at the tender age of 15 with 'Walking in the Air' – and he has since released multiple albums, appeared on several TV shows and presented on Classic FM since 2002.
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1. When is Aled Jones' birthday?
Aled Jones was born on December 29th 1970 in Bangor, near Llandegfan in Anglesey where he was raised.
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2. Is Aled Jones Welsh?
Llandegfan, where Aled grew up, was a small Welsh-speaking community, and consequently Aled didn't speak a word of the Queen's until he was six years old.
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3. Who is Aled Jones' family?
When Aled was a chorister in Bangor Cathedral, his mum used to turn up with a ghetto blaster and record his performances. Strangely, neither of Aled's parents were musical at all - goodness knows what they thought when they heard him sing for the first time…
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4. Is Aled Jones married?
Aled married his wife, Claire Fossett, in 2001, and the pair have two children together, Emilia and Lucas. Emilia looks set to follow in her father's footsteps, and has appeared in the stage version of Shrek in the West End.
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5. Aled Jones sings 'Walking in the Air'
Aled is still perhaps best-known for being the voice of The Snowman - the song 'Walking In The Air' was the highlight from the enduring animated classic, and even though the original recording was sung by Peter Auty, it's become known as Aled's song after his version of it topped the charts in 1985.
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6. Aled's voice broke at 16
When Aled's voice broke aged 16, it was only a temporary blip in his career - even though he was advised to rest his voice for several years, soon afterwards he was studying at the Royal Academy of Music and began his adult recording career.
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7. What is Aled Jones' net worth?
Aled has an estimated net worth of $5 million.
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8. Who is Aled Jones' son?
On his album 'One Voice: Believe', Aled was joined by his 12-year-old son Lucas, to duet on one of Aled’s favourites hymns, The Lord is My Shepherd, composed by Howard Goodall. Aled said of the duet: "He’s never wanted to sing and has never had a single lesson, but fancied having a go before his voice breaks. Who am I to stop him – and the resulting duet melts my heart!"
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9. Aled Jones on Classic FM
Aled became a national radio presenter when he joined Classic FM in 2002. He returned after a short hiatus in 2013 to present Classic FM's Sunday morning show, from 7-10am. His show reaches nearly a million listeners – quite an achievement for weekend breakfast listenership.
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10. Aled Jones on Daybreak
In September 2012, Aled joined ITV Breakfast where he presented Daybreak (2012–2014), alongside Lorraine Kelly and Kate Garraway. This varied post even led to Aled interviewing Justin Bieber - a fellow teenage music icon (though we reckon Aled does a better 'Walking In The Air'). Aled has also appeared on Escape To The Country and Cash In The Attic.
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11. Aled Jones on Songs of Praise
Aled joined Songs of Praise in 2000 and has presented hundreds of programme since, including the 50th anniversary concert at Alexandra Palace in 2011.
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12. Aled Jones on Strictly Come Dancing
Aled appeared as a contestant in the second series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2004, partnered with Lilia Kopylova. His appearance on the show brought him to the attention of a wider audience, increasing demands on him as a broadcaster.
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13. Aled Jones MBE
Aled received in MBE in 2013 for services to music, broadcasting and charitable services. "I never expected to be honoured for anything I've done… it's a bonus. A massive bonus," he said on learning of the honour.
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14. Aled Jones in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Aled's also had a varied stage career - memorably he appeared as Caractacus Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the Wales Millennium Centre, as well as landing the lead in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.
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15. Aled turned down Johnny Carson
He's no stranger to success in the US, but Aled was once approached to appear on the Johnny Carson Show, one of the country's biggest TV showcases. Sadly, not knowing what the show was and with the prospect of missing a football match he was playing in back home, he turned it down.
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16. Aled Jones on Facebook and Twitter
Aled can be found under @realaledjones on Facebook, and @realaled on Twitter. He can be found tweeting about classical music, and his recent attempt at 'Wing Walking'.
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17. Aled Jones and Russell Watson
On 9 November 2018, Aled Jones will unite with fellow classical star Russell Watson to release 'In Harmony', their debut duet album. The album will include well-known hymns like 'Ave Maria', as well as modern classics such as 'You Raise Me Up'.
