Cher's biggest-selling single in the UK is 'Believe,' which remains the biggest-selling number one by a solo female artist in British chart history.
Cher's mother placed her in an orphanage temporarily because her father left without providing financial support, and her mother had to work at an all-night diner to make ends meet.
Cher and Sonny Bono met in a coffee shop in 1962 when Cher was 16. Sonny was 27 at the time.
Elvis Presley was a pivotal influence on Cher, as seeing him perform in Los Angeles at age 11 inspired her to pursue a career in music and performance.
Cher forgave Sonny Bono because their relationship was more than just a marriage; they had a deep personal and professional bond. Despite her disappointment in his actions, she recognized their shared history and significance in each other's lives.
Cher faced skepticism and laughter from audiences when her name appeared in the trailer for 'Silkwood,' but she eventually won critical acclaim, earning an Academy Award nomination and a Golden Globe for her performance.
Cher's mother, Georgia Holt, was a singer and actress who encouraged Cher's musical talents from a young age. She supported Cher's aspirations and even took her to see Elvis Presley perform, which was a defining moment in Cher's career.
Cher's favorite song from her Desert Island Discs is 'A Change Is Gonna Come' by Sam Cooke, which she describes as one of her all-time favorite songs.
Cher chose an eyelash curler as her luxury item for the desert island, following her mother's advice to always take one.
Cher's unconventional upbringing, marked by frequent moves and financial instability, instilled in her a strong work ethic, self-sufficiency, and resilience, traits she attributes to her mother's influence.
Cher has been a global star for over six decades. Her career has spanned music, television and film and throughout that time her outfits have made flamboyant fashion statements.
She was born Cherilyn Sarkisian in El Centro, California and had a peripatetic childhood. Her mother married six times and with each new husband the family moved house.
In 1962, when she was 16, Cher met Sonny Bono in a coffee shop. She moved in with Sonny as his housekeeper and personal assistant and began singing backing vocals for his boss, the music producer Phil Spector. In 1965 Sonny and Cher released I Got You Babe which reached number one in the US and UK charts – knocking the Beatles off the top of the chart.
Cher is an award-winning actor who has starred in films including Silkwood, Mask and Moonstruck. In October 1998 she released her 22nd studio album Believe – the title track remains the biggest-selling number one by a solo female artist in British chart history.
DISC ONE: Whiter Shade of Pale - Procol Harum DISC TWO: Love Me Tender - Elvis Presley DISC THREE: A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes - Ilene Woods DISC FOUR: Evil - Stevie Wonder DISC FIVE: You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ - The Righteous Brothers DISC SIX: I Can’t Make You Love Me - Bonnie Raitt DISC SEVEN: Minute By Minute - The Doobie Brothers DISC EIGHT: A Change Is Gonna Come - Sam Cooke BOOK CHOICE: The Saracen Blade by Frank Yerby LUXURY ITEM: An eyelash curler CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: A Change Is Gonna Come - Sam Cooke
Presenter Lauren Laverne Producer Paula McGinley