Biography (as of 2003...)

Click to read Ainslie's latest biography!

23-year old Ainslie Henderson's ambition is to "be an accomplished singer, songwriter and performer", and with the experience of Fame Academy, he is well on the way.

Ainslie was born in Edinburgh and brought up in Denholm, near Hawick in Scotland, with his younger brother and his mum. He was originally inspired to sing by blues-rock legend Eric Clapton.

Taking a year out before university, Ainslie honed his musical skills after leaving school with five years in a band, which included including "loads of gigs, recording and TV." Suburbia were signed to small indie label City Of Angels, and played at the Viper Rooms in LA, but folded after the label went bust.

The 'year out' had soon become five years. Ainslie followed his girlfriend to London after Suburbia's split, where he spent some time as an unemployed singer-songwriter.

After some persuasion from his father, he applied for the BBC's Fame Academy, in which in entertained millions with his quirky antics and unique and often saucy performances. Despite being the last of the students to be expelled from the academy, Mercury Records were sufficiently impressed to exercise their contractual clause to sign the budding starlet for £250,000.

The one-album deal will see at least two singles being released, including Keep Me A Secret in February 2003, with the album following in the summer.

His musical influences include Bjork, who he describes as "technically brilliant but like a child crying," and the "powerful and fragile" Radiohead. He also cites revolutionary artists such as The Beatles, David Bowie and Jeff Buckley as his favourites.

factoids

• His date of birth is 28/1/79, making him an Aquarius
• He's made it into the Popbitch newsletter - apparently he was advised to talk to himself during Fame Academy to give his that little extra edge with the viewing public
• Noel Gallacher is his favourite songwriter
• His individual style led to Kirsty Drury, the FA stylist, developing his androgynous look. Want to copy his style? He wore Karen Millen, Zara suits, Top Shop and plenty of eye shadow!