Back to basics

JB Gill on farming, faith and the X Factor

Having disbanded in 2013, then enjoyed a hugely successful comeback tour in 2021, boy band JLS are about to embark on the ‘Everybody Say JLS: The Hits Tour’. Member JB Gill has spoken candidly about life in the band, faith and his love of farming and TV presenting.

JLS shot to fame after becoming runners-up on the X Factor in 2008. Alongside members Aston Merrygold, Oritsé Williams and Marvin Humes, JB Gill enjoyed huge success with five number one singles, two BRIT awards, five MOBO awards – and the band sold over ten million records. Having chosen to press pause at the pinnacle of their career, since then, JB has continued to be in the public eye as a TV presenter. However, the bulk of his time is taken up with his Kent farm, where he lives with his wife and two children.

Finding fame

JB Gill was raised in a Christian family, baptised at the age of eight and went on to study theology. As a child he had two great passions: music and sport – showing promise in both. He began playing for his school rugby team, then joined the pro club London Irish, until an injury caused him to rethink his future. He decided to pursue singing more seriously. His singing tutor was approached by someone looking to form a boy band, and he was asked to audition for the X Factor. After the audition, JLS was formed and, for the ambitious 20-somethings, for a time the success was incredibly exciting.

However, JB recognised that his faith had been put on the back burner as a result; with all the recording, touring and press engagements, there was never a chance to go to church – although he did listen to faith-based podcasts. It was through a present from fans that he knew it was time to reprioritise his faith. He told Premier Christianity magazine: ‘They…gave me a present but said: “Don’t open it now. Open it when you get to your hotel room”…When I got back I opened it and it was a Bible! There was a little note saying: “We go to church and we’ve been praying for you.” I was really touched.’ Since then JB has ensured that his faith is ‘integral to everything’.

Stepping away from the limelight

After almost seven years together, and having completed four studio albums, JLS’ management advised them they could negotiate a new deal. This made them all pause to reflect and, for JB, he realised it was time to step back from being in the band because there were more important things in his life.

When JB had bought his Kent home, he had also acquired the adjacent farmland – encouraged by his mum to make the investment. About to get married, he began thinking about how he wanted to live and what he stood for, and realised how important being resourceful and living off the land was to him. He had already begun to develop the farmland alongside his other commitments but, as the boys said goodbye to JLS, he put his full focus on it.

Embracing his profile

Since then, JB has had opportunities to turn his hand to TV presenting, which he loves. He told Premier Christianity: ‘I didn’t want to shun my entertainment profile, so I thought: “How can I use the power of that in order to promote some of the things that I’m now passionate about?” It was really exciting for me because that was the point where I realised that my Christianity covers everything that I do…For a lot of people, God is reserved for a day, or for a time or for a special occasion. But actually, our faith should be with us all the time.’

The TV shows that JB presents regularly certainly marry his passions of music, faith and farming. Alongside contributing to shows focusing on the countryside – BBC’s Countryfile and Springwatch – he presents (and has sung on) Songs of Praise, a show he told the Press Association he hoped offers ‘another way that people can engage and connect with the Christian faith’.

JB also sang the theme tune for Cbeebies’ Down on the Farm and he can share his love of farming with the younger generation on that show, as he does with his own children. As he explained to the BBC, for the online Celebrity Parenting Stories: ‘I’d often heard it said that growing up on a farm is second to none. It was one of the reasons why I wanted my own young family to establish our roots in the countryside…We’ve always talked to [our kids] about where their food comes from. It shows them the invaluable life skills of a good work ethic and respect for the things in your care.’ His latest show Cooking with The Gills sees the whole family cooking dishes for their rural pop-up café.

Most recently, JB has written the first of a series of children’s books: Ace and the Animal Heroes: The Big Farm Rescue. He has also been an ambassador for various charities, including the Prince’s Countryside Fund, which seeks to support the farming community and address a range of countryside issues.

While JB Gill loves being back with his band mates, and is excited to embark on this year’s tour, the new balance he has found in his life has enabled him to put his faith front and centre again.

To watch a video about JB Gill’s faith click here.