Born in November 1987, Dougie grew up in Corringham, Essex with his mum, Sam, and younger sister, Jazzie. His dad, Gary, “vanished off the face of the earth for two weeks before [he] joined the band” ^[1]. An animal lover, he also lived with two lizards (Zookie & Buffy), two cats, two “dogs”, a hamster and a frog. From a young age, he took up the unusual hobby of breeding reptiles, but also began exploring his musical talents, punk and pop-rock being his favourite genres. Inspired by bands such as Blink 182 and New Found Glory, he took up the bass, whilst maintaining his enthusiasm for the guitar.

Dougie attended Gable Hall School Arts College in his home town, and studied there after being registered by his parents. His personality was always described as quiet, a little shy, and as he called himself, “a loser”.

In 2003, at the tender age of 15, Dougie auditioned as a bassist for a new guitar-pop band set to be managed on the same record label as the increasingly-successful Busted, after seeing an advert in NME Magazine. He mentions in several interviews that he “threw up” due to nerves. Luckily, he made an impression and won a place in the new band, becoming their youngest member. He recalls how fast it all went: “I was just at school, auditioned, and now I’m not at school.”

McFly quickly became a household name, and were soon topping the charts and playing sell-out venues. As time went on, Dougie began playing a larger role in the band, and contributed to more songs either as a writer or lead vocalist. McFly’s second album included ‘Silence Is A Scary Sound’ as a bonus track, a song written by Dougie, which proved his capability as a songwriter. But this was just the first step. On their third UK Release, ‘Transylvania’, written by Dougie and featuring him on lead vocals, became one of the most popular album tracks, and was later released as a double A-side single with ‘Baby’s Coming Back’, reaching #1 in the charts.

With his new-found fame and good looks, it was inevitable that Dougie would receive a lot of female attention from countries all across the world; and it’s not just from the girls. “I get the dudes” ^[2], he says, when talking about fan-mail. Dougie is constantly referred to as “sexy” and “cute” by magazines and celebrities, and to top it all off, he picked up the ‘Most Fanciable Male’ award in the 2006 Virgin Awards.

In the past, Dougie has dated Hannah Tointon of Hollyoaks fame, and is currently dating Frankie Sandford of The Saturdays, who was his childhood crush while she was in S Club 8. Dougie currently lives in Hertfordshire with Frankie and their dogs, Flea and Presley.

After 6 years in the constant spotlight, a celebrity lifestyle, some unbelievable collaborations with names such as Brian May and Roger Daltrey and a string of pretty girlfriends, Dougie’s confidence has evidently grown. Though still prone to saying nothing in interviews, he seems even quirkier, and fame, in its highest form has helped him develop into a young man who has achieved more than many would in their lifetime. One thing’s for sure: the fact that he can make a photoshoot of him holding a carton of Just Juice so appealing (advertising in it’s small and hidden form), just goes to prove that Dougie Poynter has got something very special.

Style – hair, clothes, Instruments, Quotes, Fanmail – interactive.