Matt Willis Bio: Busted, Career, Wife, Children and Life Today
Who Is Matt Willis?
Matt Willis is an English singer, songwriter, musician, actor and television personality. He gained fame as the bassist and co-vocalist of the pop-rock band Busted.
Born on 8 May 1983, Matt grew up in London and developed an interest in music at an early age.
He later expanded his career into acting, theatre, presenting and television. His career has therefore covered several areas of entertainment.
Today, fans also know Matt for his work with his wife, Emma Willis. The couple have become a popular television partnership.
Matt Willis Age and Early Life
Matt Willis was born Mathew James Willis on 8 May 1983. Sources identify his birthplace as Tooting, London.
As a young man, Matt developed strong musical ambitions. He eventually turned those ambitions into a professional career.
His early entertainment work also included television appearances. He appeared in productions such as EastEnders and The Bill.
However, music soon became his biggest opportunity.
Matt Willis and Busted
Matt Willis became widely famous through Busted, the British pop-rock band he co-founded with James Bourne and Charlie Simpson.
The group formed in 2001 and quickly became one of Britain’s biggest young pop acts.
Matt played bass guitar and shared vocal duties within the group. Busted achieved major commercial success with its energetic pop-rock sound.
The band’s popularity produced several successful songs and albums. They also built a strong following among British teenagers.
Busted achieved an impressive live milestone during its early success. The band sold out London’s Wembley Arena for six consecutive nights.
However, the original group ended in January 2005.
Matt then began developing his career outside Busted.
Matt Willis’ Solo Music Career
After Busted split, Matt Willis pursued a solo career. He released his debut album, Don’t Let It Go to Waste, in November 2006.
The album produced three singles that reached the UK Top 20.
His solo work allowed him to explore a sound beyond his Busted identity. It also demonstrated his ability to continue working independently.
Although his solo career did not match Busted’s commercial impact, it added another important chapter to his musical journey.
Matt Willis Wins I’m a Celebrity
In 2006, Matt entered the Australian jungle for I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!
He eventually won the sixth series of the popular ITV reality show.
The victory strengthened his television profile and introduced him to a wider audience.
He later co-presented the show’s ITV2 spin-off with Emma Willis. They worked together on the programme during 2007 and 2008.
Therefore, reality television became another important part of Matt’s career.
Matt Willis and McBusted
After Busted’s original split, Matt continued working with James Bourne.
The pair later joined forces with members of McFly to create McBusted. The supergroup combined members from two successful British pop bands.
Matt returned to touring and performing with the group. This period helped revive his connection with his original musical roots.
Busted eventually returned as a band, giving Matt another opportunity to perform under the group’s original name.
Matt Willis’ Acting Career
Matt Willis has also built an extensive acting career across television, film and theatre.
He appeared in television programmes including EastEnders, Casualty and Birds of a Feather.
He also appeared in films such as Mr. Bean’s Holiday, Stormbreaker and Thunderbirds.
Furthermore, Matt developed a strong theatre career.
His theatre credits include Flashdance, Footloose and Wicked. He also appeared in Little Shop of Horrors and Waitress.
In 2022, he starred in the stage production 2:22 A Ghost Story at London’s Criterion Theatre.
In 2026, Matt took on the role of The Emcee in Cabaret at London’s Playhouse Theatre.
This role highlights his continuing interest in live performance.
Matt Willis and Addiction Recovery
Matt Willis has spoken openly about his past struggles with addiction.
His experiences became the focus of the BBC documentary Matt Willis: Fighting Addiction. The programme aired in May 2023.
The documentary explored addiction and recovery through Matt’s personal experiences.
Matt has used his public platform to discuss recovery with honesty and openness.
His story has also influenced his recent creative work. In 2026, he announced his memoir, Mending: Busted, Breaking And Getting Better.
The book will explore addiction, recovery, family life and his journey through the entertainment industry. It is scheduled for publication on 8 October 2026.
Matt has explained that he hopes his experiences can help people facing similar struggles.
Who Is Matt Willis’ Wife?
Matt Willis is married to television presenter Emma Willis.
The couple met while Emma worked in television and began dating before marrying on 5 July 2008.
Their relationship has remained a major part of Matt’s public life.
Emma has supported Matt through difficult periods while also building her own successful broadcasting career.
The couple have increasingly worked together professionally. Their partnership has included television programmes, documentaries and entertainment projects.
How Many Children Do Matt and Emma Willis Have?
Matt and Emma Willis have three children.
Their first daughter, Isabelle, was born in 2009. Their son, Ace, arrived in 2011. Their youngest daughter, Trixie, was born in 2016.
The family generally keeps many details of their private life away from the spotlight.
Nevertheless, Matt and Emma occasionally discuss family life during interviews.
Matt Willis and Love Is Blind UK
Matt Willis has entered another stage of his television career through Love Is Blind: UK.
He co-hosts the Netflix reality dating series alongside Emma Willis. Their partnership gives the programme a distinctive husband-and-wife dynamic.
The couple continue presenting the show in 2026. The third season launched in August 2026.
Matt has described the programme as one of his favourite projects. He particularly values working alongside Emma.
Their chemistry has helped establish them as a recognizable television presenting duo.
Matt Willis’ Recent Career in 2026
Matt remains active across music, television, theatre and podcasting.
His official social media profile describes him as a husband, father, bass player and podcast host.
Meanwhile, his theatre work keeps him connected with live audiences.
His role in Cabaret represents another major performance opportunity. At the same time, his television work continues alongside Emma.
The couple also continue exploring programmes focused on relationships, personal development and social issues.
Therefore, Matt’s career now looks very different from his early Busted years.
What Is Matt Willis Known For?
Matt Willis is best known for several major achievements.
- Co-founding Busted
- Playing bass and singing with Busted
- Winning I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!
- Releasing his solo album
- Working with McBusted
- Acting in television and films
- Performing in major West End productions
- Discussing addiction and recovery publicly
- Co-hosting Love Is Blind: UK
- Working alongside his wife, Emma Willis
His ability to move between different entertainment industries has kept his career relevant.
What Is Matt Willis Doing Now?
As of 2026, Matt Willis continues working across music, television, podcasting and theatre.
His Cabaret role has added another major theatre credit to his résumé. Meanwhile, his work with Emma continues through Love Is Blind: UK.
He also has a forthcoming memoir that explores his personal and professional journey.
His continued work shows how far his career has developed since Busted first became famous.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matt Willis
How old is Matt Willis?
Matt Willis was born on 8 May 1983. He turns 44 in May 2027.
What band was Matt Willis in?
Matt Willis became famous as a founding member of Busted. He played bass guitar and shared vocal duties.
Is Matt Willis married?
Yes. Matt Willis married television presenter Emma Willis on 5 July 2008.
How many children does Matt Willis have?
Matt and Emma Willis have three children, including two daughters and one son.
What happened to Busted?
The original Busted lineup split in January 2005. Matt later returned to music through McBusted and eventually reunited with Busted.
What is Matt Willis doing in 2026?
Matt continues his work as a musician, actor, presenter and podcaster. He also performs as The Emcee in Cabaret and co-hosts Love Is Blind: UK.
What is Matt Willis’ new book?
Matt’s upcoming memoir is titled Mending: Busted, Breaking And Getting Better. The book focuses on addiction, recovery, family and his career.
Matt Willis’ Legacy
Matt Willis has built a career that extends far beyond his early boy-band success.
Busted introduced him to millions of fans, but his later work showed his versatility.
He successfully moved into solo music, reality television, acting and theatre.
Furthermore, his openness about addiction has added a more personal dimension to his public image.
His partnership with Emma has also created a successful television team.
Today, Matt remains an active figure in British entertainment. His career continues to evolve through music, theatre, television and personal storytelling.
From Busted frontman to West End performer and television personality, Matt Willis has created a remarkably varied career.
