Marti Caine

Marti Caine, born Lynne Denise Shepherd (26 January 1945 – 4 November 1995), 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 (1979–84), and as host of the revived New Faces (1986–88).

Early life Caine was born Lynne Denise Shepherd in Sheffield. During her childhood, her father died from cancer and she suffered sexual abuse from her paternal grandfather. Her mother had a history of alcoholism and drug abuse.

At the age of 17, she married Malcolm Stringer, a local butcher's boy, and became in her own words "just another starry-eyed wannabe... married with two babies, an ex-beauty queen, stuck on a council estate, with little hope of fulfilling any dreams for a better life." In the same year, the university awarded her an honorary doctorate in recognition of her life achievements and her contribution to the world of entertainment.

References in popular culture

The film Funny Cow, starring Maxine Peake as a troubled northern comedienne, was inspired by the life of Marti Caine.

In the comedy series Mandy, episode "SpaceMandy" (Series 2 Episode 4), the space-themed dance sequence is credited as having been inspired by Caine.

Videos Wild World: Marti's duet with Tony Christie Honky Tonk Woman: Typically flamboyant dance sequence from TV show The Biggest Aspidistra in the World: Marti singing a music hall comedy number in tribute to Gracie Fields I've Never Been to Me: Montage sequence accompanying Marti's 1978 single Regina Fong Gala 2008: Drag queen Mrs Moore impersonating Marti's New Faces persona

VHS Joe Longthorne: The Ultimate Collection (1997) [Duet with Marti on "I'll Never Love This Way Again"] The Very Best of Joe Longthorne: Volume II (1992) [Duet with Marti on "I'll Never Love This Way Again"]

Awards and achievements Heritage Foundation Plaque, BBC TV Centre, London (2001) The Marti Caine Fund, set up to support the Children with Leukaemia Trust (1996) Honorary Doctorate, Sheffield Hallam University (1995) Sheen, sculpture by Mick Farrell dedicated to Marti (1995) Woman of the week, Woman magazine (1986) Star Award, Funniest Lady, Swap Shop (1979) Winner, New Faces (1975)

Discography

Albums Nobody Does It Like Marti (LP, 1976) Behind the Smile (LP, 1978) [Produced by Karl Jenkins] The Lady's Gonna Sing (LP, 1979) [Co-produced by Karl Jenkins] Point of View (LP, 1981) Marti (CD, 1996) [Concert recordings with the Ronnie Hazlehurst orchestra]

Singles "Can I Speak to the World, Please?" / "Tin Heart and the Rebel" (1982) "I'll Never See You Again" / "Bitch is Love" (1981) "One More Night" / "What's the Weather Like Outside?" (1979) "I've Never Been to Me" / "You" (1978) "Woman in Your Arms" / "Let Go" (1977) "Momma's Song" / "Nobody Does It Like Me" (1975)

Compilations and re-releases LateNightTales presents After Dark (compilation CD, 2013) (features 1982 track "Love the Way You Love Me") You Are Awful... But We Like You! (compilation CD, 2000) (features 1978 single "I've Never Been To Me") Sweet Inspiration (audio book, cassette, 1994) [interview with Alan Titchmarsh] Disconet Vol 4:7 (compilation LP, 1981) (features 1981 single "Can I Speak to the World, Please?") Nobody Does It Like Me (LP & cassette, 1979) [third re-release of 1976 debut album] Nobody Does It Like Marti Caine (LP, 1977) [second re-release of 1976 debut album]