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Chart-topping singer and television host Lena Martell dies aged 86
Overview
Scottish singer and television host Lena Martell has died at the age of 86. She made history as the first solo Scottish female singer to top the UK singles chart with her 1979 cover of 'One Day at a Time'. Throughout her career, she hosted her own BBC television show, performed internationally on Broadway and in Las Vegas, and placed six albums in the UK charts.
Key points
- Lena Martell died at the age of 86, reportedly at a care home following a short illness.
- She became the first solo Scottish female singer to top the UK singles chart in 1979 with 'One Day at a Time'.
- Her chart-topping single sold nearly three million copies and remained in the charts for 36 weeks.
- She hosted her own BBC prime-time television show in the 1970s, drawing audiences of over 12 million weekly.
- Martell performed internationally, including stints on Broadway where she understudied Barbra Streisand.