A Bit of Me: From Basildon to Broadway, and back

by Denise Van Outen

Denise Van Outen, original 90s 'ladette', West End star and primetime TV favourite, reveals for the first time the true story of grit and graft beneath the famous Essex sparkle.In this refreshingly candid memoir, Denise speaks openly and sensitively about her rollercoaster career, her struggles in a past high-profile relationship and the betrayal she suffered at the hands of those once closest to her, with the hope that in doing so, she can help empower others to avoid and overcome any similar difficulties they may face.Denise shot to fame on The Big Breakfast in her early twenties. After a decade grafting through theatre jobs and children's TV shows, she was finally living the dream. However her life soon turned into a nightmare off-screen and behind the headlines as her heart was broken in a very public relationship, whilst her every move was printed in the tabloids thanks to her phone being tapped. After receiving a panning by the critics for her late night TV show aimed at the post-pub crowd, she then auditioned for and accepted an offer to play Roxie Hart in Chicago, which turned out to be a life-changing experience. The role took her to Broadway, where she caught the eye of one Andrew Lloyd Webber, eventually landing a judging role on Any Dream Will Do, which saw her rise back to primetime and the career that she loves, where she has stayed and flourished. Now, in her first memoir, Denise tells her story with disarming candour, unafraid to reveal vulnerabilities beneath the cheerful exterior. Tackling difficult subjects of corrosive self-doubt, betrayal, invasions of privacy and professional struggles, interjected with the familiar humour that we all know and love, A Bit of Me is personal, at times raw, often mischievous and always compelling. Denise has lived the life, learned the lessons, and Basildon to Broadway and back is a hell of a journey.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 17, 2022

Reviews

[Beryl Weller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wouldn’t say I’m a big fan of hers but just wanted to read this to see what her life has been like. I actually quite enjoyed it. She doesn’t settle with people enough and admits that she gets bored which is quite sad really - shows insecurities. A pretty ok book though.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve always liked Denise, she has always come across on TV as the sort of person that you’d like to be friends with and this book reinforced that to me. The book is a chronological look at Denise’s life from her early years taking part in modelling jobs, her Big Breakfast days, her many jobs in both West End and Broadway shows and also some of her lesser known work. The book covers up to very recently, including an additional chapter at the end where Denise discusses her recent split with her partner.

Denise writes openly and honestly about her life, it never felt as though she was hiding anything from the reader, even when situations may not have painted her in the best light. Throughout the book there were many times when she looked internally and placed the blame upon herself for situations that she found herself in, owning up to her own weaknesses and failures and that is refreshing to see. Her descriptions of her friendship and co-parenting post-divorce with Lee Mead are admirable for the maturity and respect that they show to each other and their daughter, again this was lovely to read.

Denise writes in a friendly, conversational style and the book often reads as though she is telling you all her anecdotes over a coffee. Denise is very good at painting a picture with her words, the book felt like a portal back in to the atmosphere of mid-late 90’s Britain. It’s an easy read, there’s nothing too troubling or heavy-going but that’s not to say that it isn’t emotional in parts. I’d recommend this to anyone who is a fan of Denise or anyone who is looking for an interesting, easy read for their holiday.

[Sylvia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I'm going to stop reading autobiographies of current celebrities because they always seem to be underwhelming. I quite like Denise Van Outen as a performer but I couldn't really say the same about her book - at best parts are slightly interesting, at worst I couldn't help but wonder what her daughter will make of reading so much detail about her mother's partying ways and string of past relationships. I understand her ex husband Lee Mead was not impressed about her sharing her side of the marriage breakdown and she also includes detail of her more recent break up. All quite tabloid and not for me.

[Amy Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

So glad I chose this as my first audio book. I really enjoyed having Denise with me on my dog walks, listening to her story and all of her experiences was really enjoyable. She’s done so much more than I knew about and had such a long career, her narrating the book herself was great as I really felt the stories as she told them. Would recommend this to anyone wanting a good, easy, fun biography to get into x

[Nicola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Denise on gogglebox and that is the reason for reading this book. I have never really been a fan otherwise but it was interesting to find out all the other jobs she has done throughout her life. I enjoyed the book but I do think she held back quite a lot to save other people’s feelings. I would recommend reading if you are a fan as you do learn quite a lot about her career and life.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and didn't realize all what she has achieved so far and the different roles she has been involved in. I was also interested in finding out all about her past relationships, family and home life.

[Sarah Kingsnorth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not a massive fan of celeb autobiography’s, but I’ve always loved Denise, so I gave this one a go.
Very well written, honest and poignant.
I raced through it in one day and still think Denise is a very down to earth, decent person.
Good luck Denise - wherever life takes you next.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Catherine D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Never followed her career. Only remember her from the big breakfast which I use to love. Was surprised how much she’d done with her life. Loads of charity work too. Good riddance to Eddie. 😀

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it. So refreshingly honest without unnecessary detail. Such a determined young woman and I’m so pleased for her success.

I really enjoyed it from start to finish.

[Paul Reid · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting short read, I think she’s achieved more than most people realise.
She also sounds like really good fun apart from the itchy feet if you’re her current partner!

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come!

[meryl gormley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

I really enjoyed this book, I learnt things about Denise that I didn't know of had forgotten like her cli.bing mount Kilimanjaro and that it's just one thing,

[Michaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh I love Denise Van Outen. The Jay Kay story, the flashing of Prince Charles, I love how honest she is.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very basic writing style, but interesting to read her story, I didn't know anything apart from the Big Breakfast and her marriage to Lee Mead

[Rach Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book

[Michelle Chadwick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful story of an hard working lady who made it to the top

[Darren]

Fab

Absolutely amazing reads - thank you Denise for an honest appraisal of your work !

Look forward to the next chapter .

[Caroline Croezen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really surprised by how much I enjoyed this. Denise has had such an interesting career and life and is really honest. It's a very easy and enjoyable book.

[dawn caroline dinsdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

glad I read it

Great read different person than what I actually thought she’s actually had a bit of a rough time good luck Denise

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great biography for me. I didn't know all of the extent of Denise's career and it was interesting to read about it in this book which was very well written.

She is very honest and open and particularly the last couple of chapters detailing her recent break up with Eddie. I was keen to find out what her side of the story was on that subject and wondered if it would even be mentioned in the book and it was very respectably written, as much as she could.

Very good read.

[Christine Parkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very honest account of Denise’s life. This book depicts the highs and lows of the showbiz world. Narrated by Denise, I found her style of narrating a bit jumpy … that’s the only way I can describe it! Swinging between 3 and a half and 4 stars for this book.

[Lifethrough_myfilter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing up with Denise on my tv screen I already felt like I knew her. After reading this I realise how much she paved the way for female performers/actors by not standing for the rubbish that gets thrown your way if you’re a woman. I think I love her even more now…. A great read to start off my new year! X

[Nets]

Loved listening to the audio of this... Hearing her story from her was truly special

[Sally Hynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous!!