Simon Webbe (born March 30, 1978) is an English singer, songwriter, rapper, actor and television personality. He is best known as a member of the pop and R&B group Blue, one of the most successful British vocal groups of the early 2000s. Webbe also established a solo career, appeared in film and television, and became known to a wider audience through reality and talent shows.
Webbe was born Simon Solomon Webbe in Moss Side, Manchester. He entered the music industry as one of the four members of Blue, alongside Duncan James, Antony Costa and Lee Ryan. Formed in 2000, the group quickly became a major chart act in the United Kingdom. Their debut album, All Rise (2001), combined contemporary pop with R&B and featured several successful singles, including "All Rise," "Too Close," "If You Come Back" and "Fly By II." The album reached number one in the UK and established Blue as one of the leading British boy bands of the period.
Blue continued their success with One Love (2002), another UK number one album. Its singles included "One Love," "U Make Me Wanna" and "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word," a collaboration with Elton John that topped the UK Singles Chart. The group followed it with Guilty (2003), which produced further hits such as "Guilty," "Breathe Easy" and "Bubblin'." Blue's polished harmonies, accessible songwriting and crossover R&B style helped the group build a substantial international following.
After Blue entered a hiatus, Webbe began recording as a solo artist. His debut single, "Lay Your Hands," was released in 2005 and reached number four in the UK. The single introduced a more personal and soulful side of his musical identity. His debut album, Sanctuary, also released in 2005, produced the follow-up hit "No Worries," which reached the same chart position. Webbe's second album, Grace (2006), continued his blend of pop, soul and R&B and included the singles "Coming Around Again" and "My Soul Pleads for You." A live album followed in 2007.
Webbe also explored acting. His film appearances included The Truth About Love (2005), Rollin' with the Nines (2006) and Everywhere and Nowhere (2011). He later appeared in television productions and joined the cast of the Scottish soap opera River City.
Blue reunited in 2011 and represented the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest 2011 with "I Can," finishing 11th. The group subsequently returned to touring and appeared in the television series The Big Reunion, which focused on the return of established pop acts.
As a television personality, Webbe competed on I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! in 2008 and took part in the 2014 series of Strictly Come Dancing, reaching the final with professional partner Kristina Rihanoff. He returned to solo music with Smile in 2017, an album that reflected his continuing interest in soulful, melodic pop. Across his career, Webbe has maintained a profile built on versatility, moving between group pop, solo recording, acting, live performance and television.