There aren’t many singers who can front a British soul movement, switch to TV presenting, and land on Albert Square — Mica Paris has done all three. Her 1988 breakthrough single “My One Temptation” — documented by the soul-music archive SoulTracks — made her one of the country’s defining soul voices, and now she’s back touring, writing a memoir, and appearing in EastEnders — a combination worth a closer look.
2025: international tour · New: testimonial album · Also: memoir in progress
Quick snapshot
- Mica Paris is the professional name of Michelle Antoinette Wallen (National Portrait Gallery).
- Her career spans recording, broadcasting, stage and television (official website).
- Appointed MBE in the 2020 Birthday Honours.
- Net worth: only estimates exist — most put it around £1.5 million.
- 1988: “My One Temptation” becomes her breakthrough.
- 2020: first reported EastEnders credit, as Ellie Nixon.
- 1968 — born in London; press bios say 1968.
- 1988 — released debut single “My One Temptation” and album So Good.
- 2020 — appointed MBE; first reported EastEnders credit as Ellie Nixon.
- 2025 — international tour, testimonial album, and a memoir in progress.
- Full name: Michelle Antoinette Wallen
- Born: 27 April 1968
- Occupation: singer, presenter, broadcaster and actor
- Notable work: “My One Temptation” (1988), EastEnders, Hercules (voice)
Mica Paris is a singer, broadcaster and actor best known for “My One Temptation” and for playing Ellie Nixon in EastEnders. Her estimated net worth is £1.5 million.
Six facts, one pattern: a career that jumps between music, broadcasting, and soap opera — without ever dropping the soul that started it.
What is Mica Paris famous for, and what was her breakthrough hit?
- “My One Temptation” (1988) — the breakthrough that made her a national name.
The through-line is unusual: most soul singers of her era stayed in the music lane.
Single: “My One Temptation” · Year: 1988 · Debut album: So Good
“My One Temptation” is the reference point for every “what is Mica Paris famous for?” explainer, and it introduced a British soul singer with a genuinely transatlantic voice.
The hit didn’t just launch an album — it defined an era of British soul radio, and it’s still the first track new listeners find.
What is Mica Paris’s real name — and was she in EastEnders?
Paris is now associated with EastEnders as Eve Unwin, a character whose on-screen wig became a talking point for viewers.
- 2020 — her first reported EastEnders credit, as Ellie Nixon.
Both EastEnders dates are correct in different ways: the 2020 credit was a different character, and the current role is Eve Unwin.
How much is Mica Paris worth, and what is her family background?
Reported estimate: £1.5 million · Status: unofficial · Official figure: none published
If the planned memoir ever reaches the Prince chapter, it could finally settle one of the most-repeated stories in her fan history.
Mica Paris: key facts and timeline
The milestones below are all covered, with their sources, in the snapshot and key facts table above.
- Born in London — press bios say 1968.
- 1988 — “My One Temptation” and the debut album So Good make her a household name (SoulTracks, soul-music archive).
- 2020 — appointed MBE in the Birthday Honours; first reported EastEnders credit as Ellie Nixon.
- 2025 — 40 years since her debut, with international touring, a new album, and a memoir in progress.
Key facts table
| Full name | Michelle Antoinette Wallen — “Mica Paris” is her professional name (National Portrait Gallery). |
| Born | 27 April 1968 |
| Occupation | singer, presenter, broadcaster and actor (De La Warr Pavilion, arts venue). |
| Net worth | estimated at £1.5 million; no official figure published. |
| Notable works | “My One Temptation” (1988), EastEnders, Hercules (voice). |
Mica Paris, describing her EastEnders character Ellie Nixon, in an interview reported by Evening Standard.
The MBE gives the story an extra layer of recognition — proof that her work in music and broadcasting has been noticed far beyond the charts.
Related reading: Phil Daniels: From Quadrophenia to EastEnders · Kellie Bright: EastEnders exit, family & autism
en.wikipedia.org, imdb.com, newssignal.co.uk, de.wikipedia.org, qobuz.com, cs.wikipedia.org, nts.live
FAQ
What is Mica Paris working on right now?
She is appearing on EastEnders as Eve Unwin, returning to international touring in 2025, and preparing a new testimonial album and a memoir, per her official site.
What made Mica Paris famous?
Her 1988 breakthrough single “My One Temptation” made her one of the country’s defining soul voices.
Which single made Mica Paris famous?
“My One Temptation,” released in 1988.
What was Mica Paris’s birth name?
Michelle Antoinette Wallen.
What is Mica Paris’s estimated net worth?
Around £1.5 million, based on unofficial estimates; no official figure has been published.
Viewers who want more Albert Square background can read our profiles of Kellie Bright.
George Harry Howard Bennett is a staff writer for Public Journal UK, specializing in UK news, policy analysis, and public affairs coverage. He works under Editor-in-Chief Margaret Ellison, maintaining high standards of sourcing, verification, and fact-checking. Bennett reports on Westminster, government policy, and societal issues, providing balanced and accurate journalism with timely insight.