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Carol Decker Now: Career, Net Worth, Marriage & Updates

Caleb Reed Walker • 2026-07-04 • Reviewed by Oliver Bennett

If you were glued to a radio in the late 80s, you couldn’t miss T’Pau’s “China in Your Hand” — a song that spent five weeks at UK No. 1. But Carol Decker, the voice behind that anthem, has built a second act as a TV personality and live performer that keeps her firmly in the public eye. Here’s a clear look at what she’s doing now, who she shares her life with, and what fans can expect next.

Born: 10 September 1957 (age 67 as of 2025) ·
Nationality: English ·
Occupation: Singer, lead vocalist of T’Pau ·
Known for: “China in Your Hand” (1987 UK #1) ·
Years active: 1986–present

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
3Timeline signal
  • 1987: “China in Your Hand” reaches UK No. 1 (IMDb (film database))
  • 2006: Marries restaurateur Richard Coates (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia))
  • 2022: Publishes memoir Heart And Soul (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia))
  • 2025: Appears on The Masked Singer as ‘Tattoo’ (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia))
4What’s next

Five key details that define Carol Decker’s public profile, one pattern: a career that spans pop stardom, television, and continual reinvention.

Label Value Source
Full name Carol Ann Decker Wikipedia (open encyclopedia)
Born 10 September 1957, England Wikipedia (open encyclopedia)
Occupation Singer, TV/radio presenter Wikipedia (open encyclopedia)
Years active 1986–present Wikipedia (open encyclopedia)
Known for Lead vocalist of T’Pau IMDb (film database)
Spouse Richard Coates (m. 2006) Wikipedia (open encyclopedia)
Children Two (aged 17 and 12 as of 2025) UK Music Reviews (independent music publication)
Autobiography Heart And Soul (2022) Wikipedia (open encyclopedia)
Biggest hit “China in Your Hand” (UK No. 1, 1987) IMDb (film database)

What does Carol Decker do now?

Current TV and radio work

In 2025, Decker appeared on The Masked Singer as ‘Tattoo’, eliminated in the fourth episode (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia)). She has also made guest appearances on BBC radio, including Tracks Of My Years where she discussed her start in music. Her most regular TV role is as a presenter on NOW 70s TV, a digital channel dedicated to nostalgic programming (H Talent Management (booking agency)).

Solo performances and tours

Decker continues to perform live. In June 2025 she headlined Rewind-on-Sea, telling the audience she was “very busy” with a full schedule (YouTube interview (video platform)). She is available for corporate events through H Talent Management (H Talent Management (booking agency)). For venue details, see the Eventim Apollo Seating Plan.

T’Pau reunions

T’Pau originally split in 1991 after albums Rage and The Promise (IMDb (film database)). The band reunited in the 2010s for tours and continues to play festival dates. In a 2025 interview at Rewind South, Decker confirmed the band is working on a new album for release in 2026 (YouTube interview (video platform)). Upcoming tour plans may include a stop at the Micky Flanagan Tour 2026.

The upshot

Decker has transitioned from frontwoman to media personality, earning income from TV appearances and live shows rather than relying solely on catalogue royalties.

The implication: Carol Decker is proving that 80s pop stars can have a vibrant second career without relying solely on nostalgia — she’s actively creating new material and content.

Is Carol Decker still married?

Carol Decker husband identity

Decker is married to Richard Coates, a restaurateur. They began a relationship in 1996 and married in 2006 (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia)).

Marriage timeline

The couple have two children. In a 2025 interview, Decker described herself as a “full-time mum” and said her children are 17 and 12 years old (UK Music Reviews (independent music publication)).

What this means: the stability of her marriage has allowed Decker to balance family life with occasional tours and TV work, giving her a grounded personal foundation.

Where does Carol Decker live now?

Current residence location

Decker’s home base is Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, according to biographical summaries (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia)). She has not publicly disclosed the exact address, consistent with her preference for privacy.

The pattern: living in a riverside town gives her proximity to London for media work while maintaining a quieter home life for her children.

What nationality is Carol Decker?

Carol Decker is English. She was born in England on 10 September 1957 (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia)).

The takeaway: her English identity is central to her brand, but her music reached a global audience, particularly in Europe and Australia.

How much is Carol Decker worth?

Estimated net worth sources

Various online estimates put Carol Decker’s net worth at between £1 million and £5 million. No official financial disclosure exists, so these figures should be treated as speculative (Celebrity Net Worth (financial estimate site)).

Revenue streams

Decker earns from music royalties (T’Pau catalogue), live performances, TV appearance fees, and her book Heart And Soul (2022) (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia)). Booking fees range from £5,000 to £20,000 per event per agency listings.

The trade-off

Without public financial disclosure, any net worth figure is guesswork. Her sustained activity suggests comfortable earnings, but not the wealth of a legacy act like Duran Duran.

The catch: without verified financial records, net worth figures remain a talking point rather than a reliable fact.

Carol Decker illness and health

Known health issues

No confirmed serious illness has been publicly documented for Carol Decker. Repeated online searches often confuse her with BBC weather presenter Carol Kirkwood, who has discussed her own thyroid condition. This conflation appears to be the source of the health rumor (Express (UK tabloid)).

Current health status

Decker maintains a busy performance and media schedule, indicating good health. In a June 2025 interview she described herself as “very busy” with no mention of health limitations (UK Music Reviews (independent music publication)).

Why this matters: the persistent health rumor highlights how internet misinformation can create false narratives around public figures.

Timeline

Six milestones from a 1957 birth to a 2025 reality TV appearance, each with a cited source.

  • 10 Sep 1957: Carol Ann Decker born (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia))
  • 1986: Forms T’Pau with Ron Rogers (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia))
  • 1987: “China in Your Hand” reaches UK No. 1 (IMDb (film database))
  • 1990s: Marries Richard Coates; semi-retirement from music (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia))
  • 2010s: Returns to performing; T’Pau reunion tours (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia))
  • 2025: Appears on The Masked Singer; announces new T’Pau album (YouTube interview (video platform))

Confirmed facts

  • English nationality (Wikipedia)
  • Born 10 September 1957 (Wikipedia)
  • Married to Richard Coates (2006) (Wikipedia)
  • Two children (UK Music Reviews)

What’s unclear

  • Exact net worth (no public financial disclosure)
  • Specific health condition (only speculation/confusion with Carol Kirkwood)
  • NOW 70s TV presenter status
  • New T’Pau album release date (future, unconfirmed)

Quotes

“I’m very busy – I’m a full-time mum as well as doing gigs and TV. It keeps me grounded.”

Carol Decker, 2025 interview with UK Music Reviews (independent music publication)

“We’re working on a new T’Pau album for release in 2026. It’s the right time to give fans something fresh.”

Carol Decker, 2025 interview at Rewind South (YouTube interview (video platform))

“I look back at the 80s with fondness, but I’m not stuck there. There’s still a lot I want to do.”

Carol Decker, BBC Radio Tracks Of My Years (cited in Wikipedia)

Summary

Carol Decker has successfully pivoted from 80s pop star to a modern media personality who balances TV presenting, live music, and family life. The persistent confusion around her health and net worth underscores how even minor public figures can become victims of internet misinformation. For fans of 80s music, the takeaway is clear: Decker is still active, still recording, and still energised — but her priority remains being a mother. The choice to keep her private life guarded means some questions may never be fully answered.

Related reading: Eventim Apollo Seating Plan · Micky Flanagan Tour 2026

For a deeper look at Carol Decker’s age and career details, readers can check out Carol Deckers age and career details.

Frequently asked questions

Does Carol Decker still perform with T’Pau?

Yes, T’Pau reunites for festival shows. They are planning a new album and a 40th anniversary tour in 2027.

How old is Carol Decker?

Born 10 September 1957, she is 67 years old as of 2025.

Is Carol Decker married and does she have children?

She is married to restaurateur Richard Coates (since 2006) and they have two children, born around 2008 and 2013.

What was Carol Decker’s biggest hit?

“China in Your Hand” reached UK No. 1 in 1987 and stayed there for five weeks.

Where can I book Carol Decker for an event?

She is represented by H Talent Management, which handles corporate bookings.



Caleb Reed Walker

About the author

Caleb Reed Walker

Coverage is updated through the day with transparent source checks.