Javine Hylton first captured the public’s attention as a contestant on Popstars: The Rivals in 2002.
Although she didn’t secure a spot in the famous girl group Girls Aloud, her journey as a pop star was far from over.
Now 43, Javine has experienced a rollercoaster ride in the spotlight, from representing the UK in Eurovision to dealing with personal scandals.
Here’s a closer look at where she is today.
From Stage School to Reality TV Stardom
Born and raised in Ladbroke Grove, Kensington, Javine’s path into showbiz started early.
She attended stage school at a young age and even played the role of Nala in the West End’s The Lion King for two years.
Interestingly, Javine initially set her sights on a career in dance, not singing.
She once shared that she disliked singing and went to stage school at 10 because fights at her regular school made her want to find an outlet for her energy.
Her goal was to become a dancer, but life had different plans.
The Breakthrough with Popstars: The Rivals
Javine became one of thousands to audition for Popstars: The Rivals, a reality competition aimed at forming both a boy band and a girl group.
Though she didn’t make it into Girls Aloud, she made it to the final six girls, and her talent was undeniable.
Despite being a favorite to win, she narrowly missed out on a spot in the group, which ultimately went to Sarah Harding.
A Solo Career with Ups and Downs
Following her departure from Popstars: The Rivals, Javine launched her solo career with the hit single “Real Things,” which reached number four on the charts.
Her success continued with a string of singles that made it into the top 20. She even toured with rapper Nelly during his UK leg of his tour.
However, things took a downturn after her debut album Surrender didn’t perform as expected, leading to her being dropped by her record label in 2004.
Eurovision Dreams and Personal Drama
Javine’s next big moment came in 2005 when she represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest.
Despite high hopes, her performance of “Touch My Fire” ended in disappointment, with the UK finishing 22nd in Kyiv, Ukraine.
But Javine continued to work in entertainment, performing in West End productions such as Daddy Cool.
However, her personal life soon overshadowed her career.
The Affair with MC Harvey and Its Fallout
Javine’s personal life became tabloid fodder when she had an affair with rapper MC Harvey, who was married to Alesha Dixon at the time.
The affair became public when Harvey’s car was seen outside Javine’s house, prompting Alesha to confront her husband.
The fallout was intense, and Javine faced harsh criticism from the public, being labeled a “homewrecker.”
Despite the backlash, Javine and Harvey had a daughter together in 2008, though their relationship ended in 2009.
MC Harvey later admitted that he regretted the affair and described his relationship with Javine as toxic. In an emotional interview, he shared the regret he felt about his actions and the toll it took on his mental health.
Alesha Dixon’s Heartbreak
In an interview, Alesha Dixon opened up about the emotional turmoil she went through when her marriage to Harvey fell apart.
She spoke of feeling “lost” and “empty” during the painful time, revealing that she struggled with feelings of guilt and confusion as her marriage ended.
A Shift to TV Appearances
After her music career slowed down, Javine transitioned into television, appearing on Channel 4’s The Game and the celebrity edition of Come Dine With Me.
Though her time in the spotlight has waned, Javine’s career as a TV personality kept her in the public eye for a while.
Embracing Motherhood and a Private Life
Over the years, Javine has stepped away from the limelight, focusing instead on her family life.
She has since welcomed two more children, both boys, and has kept their names out of the media.
In a rare Instagram post, Javine shared a moment of joy taking her son to his first-ever rugby practice, expressing how much she loves being a mom.
These days, Javine appears content to lead a quieter life, raising her children and staying away from the intense public scrutiny that once followed her every move.
Javine’s Legacy: A Pop Star’s Rise and Fall
Javine Hylton’s career has had its fair share of highs and lows, but through it all, she has remained resilient.
From her early days on Popstars: The Rivals to her personal struggles and eventual retreat from the public eye, Javine has seen it all.
Today, she appears to be living a much more private life, away from the drama and fame that once defined her career.b