Kim Wilde at the BBC: Kids in America singer's net worth, hits, and relationship history

Kim Wilde at the BBC is on from 8.05pm to 9.35pm on BBC2 tonight, and during the show the singer, who turned 65 last week, shares her favourite moments and memories, featuring her many appearances on a range of BBC shows across the decades, which include Wogan, Saturday Superstore, Going Live and numerous editions of Top of the Pops, as well as 2024's triumphant show at Radio 2 in the Park.

Among her hits are Kids in America, Water on Glass, Rage to Love and You Keep Me Hangin' On - and the show producers promise the rarely seen duet A Short Term Affair with Tony Ferrino, one of Steve Coogan’s alter egos.

Kim Wilde’s early life

Kim Wilde was born Kim Smith on November 18, 1960 in Chiswick, Middlesex. She is the daughter of 1950s rock and star Marty Wilde and Joyce Baker, a member of the vocal group The Vernons Girls. As a child, she lived in West London before her family moved to Hertfordshire when she was about nine.

She was educated at Oakfield Preparatory School, then Presdales School in Ware, and later studied at the Hertfordshire College of Art & Design, completing a foundation course in 1980. Growing up in a musical household, Kim often sang backing vocals for her brother Ricky and their father, which helped spark her interest in a career in music.

Kim Wilde’s breakthrough hit

Kim Wilde’s first single was Kids in America in 1981, written by her father and brother, Ricky. The single was a massive hit, reaching number 2 in the UK. Other singles in 1981 included Chequered Love, Cambodia and Water on Glass.

In 1986, she covered The Supremes’ You Keep Me Hangin’ On, which also reached number two in the UK, and got to the top of the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1987. Other of her well-known songs include You Came and Never Trust a Stranger in 1988.

Kim Wilde’s career in gardening

During her first pregnancy she studied horticulture, and went on to design gardens, present TV gardening shows, and win a Gold Medal at the Chelsea Flower Show for one of her garden designs.

Kim Wilde’s net worth

Kim Wilde’s net worth is estimated to be around $20m (£15.2m), by the website CelebrityNetWorth.com.

Kim Wilde’s legacy and impact

Wilde holds the distinction of being one of the most-charted British female solo artists of the 1980s, with 17 UK Top 40 hit singles in that decade. Her songs - in particular Kids in America - have been covered by artists ranging from Tiffany to Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters, and she has recently been touring, including an appearance this summer at Chris Evans’ CarFest festival in Hampshire.

Kim Wilde’s relationship history

Kim Wilde married actor Hal Fowler on September 1, 1996, having met while performing together in the West End production of Tommy. The couple went on to have two children Harry Tristan, born January 3, 1998, and Rose Elisabeth, born on January 14, 2000.

In December 2022, after 25 years of marriage, Kim and Hal announced their divorce. They emphasized that the split was amicable, stating that “no third party is involved” and that they “remain on good terms.” In interviews since, Kim has said they still talk and that she’s in “a good place”.

Kim has also spoken publicly about lifestyle changes she’s made. She gave up alcohol around eight years ago, works with a personal trainer twice a week, and practises “cold water dipping” (plunging into cold water) as part of her routine.