The boy band heartthrob who dreamed of writing Viking novels

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Giles Kristian was a student in his early twenties when he was catapulted into the world of 90s pop. In 1995 he competed with over 7,500 performers to become the frontman of a new boy band called Upside Down. The creation of the band was the subject of a BBC documentary at the time, but when the programme was broadcast the group faced a backlash for being a manufactured band. Although they went on to have four singles in the British top 20 chart, Upside Down came to an end in 1997. But Giles had always dreamed of being a writer and decided to follow his dream. Focussing on historical fiction he's now sold over a million copies of his novels. His latest book is a thriller called Where Blood Runs Cold. Get in touch: [email protected] Presenter: Emily Webb Producers: June Christie and Deiniol Buxton (Photo: Upside Down. Giles is wearing the lilac jacket. Credit: World Records, courtesy of Giles Kristian)