Former Hear'Say singer Suzanne Shaw has become a grandmother at age 44, welcoming grandson Colton on March 26. The baby was born to her eldest son Corey, 21, and his partner Erin Mitchell, 20. Suzanne, who also starred in Emmerdale, now goes by the name 'Zaza' and has been swapping notes with former bandmate Kym Marsh, who became a grandmother in 2019.
A Joyful Arrival Amid Personal Turmoil
Suzanne admits the birth came at a time when she 'needed an injection of love and light' following her split from fiancé Sam Greenfield, with whom she shares ten-year-old son Rafferty. The couple broke up in January, and Suzanne says it's been 'tough' navigating the loss of what she 'didn't think I'd ever lose.' She is focused on healing and co-parenting with Sam.
Reconnecting with Ex Darren Day
Colton's arrival also led to a heartwarming reunion with her ex, West End star Darren Day, 57, who is Corey's father. When Erin was admitted for an induction due to pre-gestational diabetes, Darren kept Suzanne company at the hospital. 'It was lovely, actually,' she says. 'We sat there, waiting with bated breath, reminiscing and having a laugh.' After just half an hour, Corey called them to meet the baby. Suzanne held Colton and burst into tears. 'I didn't want to hand him over,' she recalls. 'I was like, “Just 30 more seconds.”' She describes sharing that moment with Darren as 'really special.'
Adjusting to Being a Young Grandmother
Suzanne, who is often mistaken for Colton's mother, jokes that she can't even say the 'g' word out loud. She recalls an incident in a shop where an assistant assumed she had given birth eight weeks prior. 'I said, “I didn't, I'm Grandma.” She looked shocked.' Kym Marsh reassured Suzanne that she could choose her own grandmother name, leading to 'Zaza.' The two proud 'glammas' share photos of their grandchildren.
Hands-On Grandparenting
Suzanne loves being a hands-on gran, enjoying babysitting duties without the stress of night feeds. 'You have such deep love for a grandchild, without the stress of keeping them alive,' she says. Corey and Erin, who live nearby, recently enjoyed a rare night out at the cinema while Suzanne babysat. Erin, a nursery worker, is about to return to work, and Corey works full-time in marketing.
Family Dynamics and Role Models
Corey is a hands-on father, which Suzanne attributes to the age gap between him and Raffi. 'Corey helped me with Raffi, changing nappies and feeding him when he was 12, 13,' she says proudly. Raffi, who is football-mad and plays for a local academy, looks up to his big brother and is a little gentleman, complimenting Erin on her dress during a photoshoot. Suzanne emphasizes the importance of raising boys who respect women, noting the rise of misogyny in schools.
Personal Growth and Wellness
Suzanne, now a motivational speaker and empowerment coach, credits her self-development tools for helping her through the breakup. 'I think the break-up would have been a lot messier without them,' she says. She has been single since the split and is not yet ready for a new romance. 'This is a chance for me to fully get to know myself, so I can attract the right people,' she explains. She has not had a drink for six years and prefers a quiet night at home, going to bed by 9pm.
Hear'Say Memories and Future Plans
Suzanne remains in touch with her former bandmates Kym Marsh, Myleene Klass, Noel Sullivan, and Danny Foster, and looks back fondly on her Hear'Say days. She recalls the UK arena tour and performing with Sir Elton John and Lionel Richie. 'I'll always have a very special bond with my bandmates,' she says. She is set to headline the Wellness Zone at the upcoming Festival of Sport at Packington Estate in Warwickshire next month.
