Other names Jessica Close Years active 2010-present | Name Jessica Robinson Role Performer | |
Born 28 November 1991 (age 32) ( 1991-11-28 ) Middlesbrough, Yorkshire, England Website Official Blog
Page at BBC | ||
Jessica Robinson (sometimes credited as 'Jessica Close' or 'Jessica Daley', born 28 November 1991) is an English singer and actress. Robinson is most noted for her participation in the 2010 BBC talent-search Over the Rainbow.
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Background
Robinson lives with her parents and brother in Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire.
As a child, Robinson attended St Gabriel’s Primary School followed by St Peter's Secondary School, in Middlesbrough.
As a youth Robinson performed as part of the Middlesbrough Youth Theatre in which she played the part of Fantine in Les Miserables, company and in 2006 also went on to compete the kids version of Stars in Their Eyes where she performed as the Australian actress/singer Natalie Imbruglia. Jessica took part in heat two which also featured the eventual series winner, 9 year old Christopher Napier, performing as George Formby, and the 2008 Miss Dance of Great Britain competition.
Over the Rainbow
Robinson took part in Over the Rainbow, a BBC talent-search looking for an actress/singer to play Dorothy Gale in Andrew Lloyd Webber's production of The Wizard of Oz. She advanced to the sixth week, whereupon she was voted off following a sing-off against Danielle Hope, the show's eventual winner.
After Over the Rainbow
Following her being voted off the show, Robinson stated that her immediate plans were to find retail work in order to fund a performing arts course. Robinson currently studies at the Arts Educational School. She was lauded for her efforts at raising Middlesbrough's profile and performed at the 2010 Middlesbrough Music Live event with The Wildcats of Kilkenny.
In August 2010 it was announced that Robinson would temporarily take over fellow Over the Rainbow alumni Stephanie Fearon's role in Smokey Joe's Cafe. Robinson performed for three nights in late August while Fearon recovered after an operation.
Continuing to support her hometown's vibrant cultural scene, Robinson took the title role in the Christmas 2011 pantomime "Snow White" at Middlesbrough Little Theatre, and in April 2012 she starred in the video for Middlesbrough-based band Collectors Club's debut single, First to Know.
Robinson performed in Mamma Mia! on London's West End as Ali.
Robinson is part of the cast of Les Miserables Dubai.