JB Gill, former member of the British boy band JLS, has transitioned from a life of music and touring to managing a farm on the Kent and Surrey border. After rising to fame following his appearance on the X Factor in 2008, Gill initially maintained a busy schedule with the band that limited his time at home. At age 23, he and his wife Chloe purchased a rural property as a retreat, which over the past 12 years has evolved into a working farm, focusing primarily on raising turkeys.

Born in the United Kingdom but raised in Antigua until the age of five, Gill credits his early childhood experiences with shaping his appreciation of the outdoors and food. His family’s connections to animal care and agriculture—his father kept horses and relatives were bakers—fostered a deep affinity for farming and cooking. This connection to nature and nutrition has remained an important element of his life since his pop career.

Gill’s move into farming was driven by a desire for a peaceful space away from the demanding lifestyle of performing and recording. Initially meant as a haven to recharge, the farm gradually became a full-time project. Although not purchased as a commercial enterprise, the ten-acre site has grown significantly in terms of its livestock and community engagement. Starting with pigs and chickens, the farm now primarily raises turkeys and has become a base for Gill’s involvement in agricultural programming, including work on the CBeebies show Down on the Farm, much of which was filmed on-site.

The farm has seen its share of challenges, notably a major breeding incident when two male pigs escaped their enclosures, resulting in a substantial unexpected increase in piglets. Gill recounts that the ensuing rise from eight to approximately 70 pigs required him to sell the surplus animals at market to manage the population.

Despite the shift from music to agriculture, Gill remains associated with his public profile, using his platform to promote understanding of farming practices. He values the hands-on experience and aims to foster a welcoming environment on the farm for visitors and family alike.

Gill and his wife met during their time on the X Factor, where Chloe worked as a dancer. Their shared understanding of the entertainment industry helped sustain their relationship through its many demands; they have now been married for over a decade and raise a family together on the farm.

Among his favorite animals, Gill singles out Ginger, the first pig rescued and kept on the farm, which helped launch their pig-breeding efforts. Off the farm, he enjoys domestic activities such as ironing—finding it therapeutic—and cooking, with a particular fondness for a quick tuna pasta dish packed with vegetables that he prepares for his children.

Now 37 years old, JB Gill embodies a rare journey from pop stardom to agricultural life, blending his early passions for music, food, and nature into a distinct and fulfilling career path.