Paula Elizabeth Yates British television presenter and writer Date of Birth: 24.04.1960 Country: Great Britain

Biography of Paula Elizabeth Yates

Paula Elizabeth Yates, a British television presenter and writer, was born on April 24, 1960, in Colwyn Bay, North Wales. She grew up in a family closely involved in show business. Her mother, Elaine Smith, was an actress, musical performer, and author of erotic novels who used the pseudonyms Helene Thornton and Heller Toren. Paula believed her father was Jess Yates, the host of the religious program "Stars On Sunday," until his scandalous dismissal in 1974 due to newspaper articles about his personal life. Jess and Elaine were married from 1958 to 1975, with Jess being 16 years older than her.

Paula attended Penrhos College, an independent boarding school, and Ysgol Aberconwy, a comprehensive school. After her parents' divorce, she primarily lived with her mother and even spent time in Malta and Mallorca, where she studied at Bellver International College before returning to England. Paula became a fan of the rock band "The Boomtown Rats" and their lead vocalist, Bob Geldof, whom she fell in love with and had three daughters with.

In 1978, Yates posed nude for Penthouse magazine before starting her career as a music journalist. She gained fame in the 1980s as one of the hosts of Channel 4's music program "The Tube." In 1982, Paula released a cover version of Nancy Sinatra's hit "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'." After the birth of her two daughters, she wrote two books on motherhood. She continued her career as a rock journalist and reached the height of popularity hosting interviews on the couch of "The Big Breakfast," produced by Geldof.

After ten years together, Paula and Bob Geldof married on August 31, 1986, in Las Vegas, with Simon Le Bon from the band "Duran Duran" serving as Geldof's best man. Their first daughter, Fifi Trixibelle, was born on March 31, 1983, followed by Peaches Geldof on March 13, 1989, and Little Pixie Geldof on September 17, 1990.

Paula met Michael Hutchence, the lead singer of the Australian rock band "INXS," when she interviewed him in early 1985. She attended several "INXS" concerts, even bringing her daughter Fifi along. Her relationship with Hutchence eventually led to her leaving Geldof in 1995. In May 1996, Paula and Bob Geldof filed for divorce. Two months later, on July 22, 1996, Paula gave birth to her daughter with Michael, named Heavenly Hiraani Tiger Lily Hutchence. Michael was found dead on November 22, 1997, in a hotel room in Sydney. Paula claimed that Bob Geldof had repeatedly threatened her and Hutchence, saying, "Remember, I am above the law." She almost lost her sanity when the investigator closed the case, declaring it a suicide. As a result, she underwent psychiatric treatment.

In June 1998, Bob Geldof gained full custody of their three daughters, and Paula attempted suicide. She struggled with depression and drug addiction, which led her into severe financial difficulties. She had to sell her precious possessions, including three amethyst rings that Bob had given her after the birth of each daughter. During the custody battle for Tiger, a paternity test revealed that her biological father was television presenter Hughie Green, who had passed away six months before Hutchence's suicide.

Actor Rupert Everett wrote in his book "Red Carpets and Other Banana Skins" in 2006 that he had a six-year affair with Paula. On September 17, 2000, on the same day as Pixie's birthday, Paula was found dead in her home from a heroin overdose. The coroner ruled it as a careless and reckless act rather than suicide. In 2007, Geldof obtained the adoption rights for Tiger, despite opposition from Hutchence's mother. In January 2008, Tiger's full name became Heavenly Hiraani Tiger Lily Hutchence Geldof.