Georgina Chloe Eku Edewor-Thorley, known professionally as Eku Edewor, is a British-Nigerian actress, television presenter, and model.
She is most recognized for hosting the entertainment television show “53 Extra” on Africa Magic.
Early Life
Eku Edewor was born on December 18, 1986 at Portland Hospital in London, alongside her twin sister, Kessiana.
Her mother, Juliana Edewor, is an interior designer, restaurateur, and art collector from Delta State, Nigeria.
Her father, Hugh Thorley, is British and has a background in the food and beverage supply and logistics industries.
Edewor’s parents divorced when she was young, and both remarried. Her late stepfather, Peter Thomas, was a prominent businessman and lawyer from Lagos.
On her maternal side, she is the granddaughter of Chief James Edewor, a billionaire and titled member of the Nigerian chieftaincy system.
Education
Eku Edewor’s upbringing was a blend of Nigerian and British influences. She spent her early years in Lagos, attending St. Saviour’s School and Grange School.
At the age of 13, she moved to the UK for her secondary education at Benenden School for Girls.
Edewor’s family traveled extensively, spending holidays in various parts of the world. She went on to pursue a degree in English Literature and Theatre Studies at Warwick University in Coventry, England, graduating with Honours in 2008.
She further honed her acting skills by completing a three-month course in acting for film at the New York Film Academy in 2009.
Career
Eku Edewor’s first foray into television was in 2006 when she appeared on Britain’s Next Top Model under the name Georgina Edewor-Thorley.
While studying at Warwick University and the New York Film Academy, she participated in several theatre productions.
Her initial role in the entertainment industry was as a production assistant at DJ Films, working with producer Damian Jones from September 2008 to October 2009.
Edewor’s acting debut came with the 2010 film *Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll*, where she played the role of Party Girl. After the passing of her stepfather in 2010, she returned to Nigeria to help manage her mother’s restaurant.
Soon after, she auditioned for and secured a co-presenter role on 53 Extra, a popular entertainment show on Africa Magic.
This show features a mix of music, film, fashion, and celebrity news, and has significantly boosted her profile in the African entertainment industry.
In addition to 53 Extra, Edewor has hosted the Big Brother Africa All Stars live red carpet show and the Pepsi Top Ten Countdown.
She has appeared in commercials for M-NET’s 25th Anniversary and Martini. Her acting credits include roles in the television series “The Island,” the online series “How She Left My Brother,” and films such as “Flower Girl,” “When Love Comes Around,” and “Your Excellency.” Her latest film, “Breath of Life,” has garnered critical acclaim and several awards.
Personal Life
Edewor divides her time between London, Lagos, and New York City, but she also travels extensively across Africa.
Her multicultural upbringing and experiences have greatly influenced her career and personal life.
Despite her busy schedule, she remains close to her family and often visits her ancestral village in Delta State.
Filmography
Film
- 2010: “Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll” (Party Girl)
- 2013: “Flower Girl” (Sapphire)
- 2014: When Love Comes Around (Victoria)
- 2019: Your Excellency (Eki)
- 2023: Breath of Life (Bridget)
Television
- 2006: “Britain’s Next Top Model,” cycle 2 (7 episodes)
- 2010–present: “53 Extra” (Host)
- 2010: “Big Brother Africa Live Red Carpet Show” (Co-host)
- 2011: M-Net’s 25th Anniversary Commercial
- 2012: Martini Commercial (4 episodes)
Awards and Nominations
ELOY Awards 2014: Nominated for TV Presenter of the Year (Pepsi Top Ten Live Show, Africa Magic)
Ghana Movie Awards 2014: Won Best Actor, African Collaboration
Social Media Handles
X (Twitter): @EkuEdewor](https://twitter.com/EkuEdewor)
Instagram: @ekuedewor](https://www.instagram.com/ekuedewor)
Controversy
In September 2018, Edewor faced body-shaming comments on Instagram after posting a photo of herself and her sister vacationing in Greece.
A troll commented on the appearance of her breasts, to which Edewor responded assertively, highlighting the natural changes in a woman’s body post-breastfeeding and questioning the standards of beauty imposed by society.
This incident underscored the challenges celebrities face with online harassment and the importance of self-acceptance.
In March 2015, Edewor posted photos from a feature in Thisday Style magazine titled ‘The Journey’, which sparked a debate on social media.
The photos, depicting Edewor in traditional attire surrounded by dark-skinned children, were criticized for promoting colourism and portraying racial stereotypes.
Edewor defended the photos, explaining that they were meant to depict a traditional scene, but the controversy highlighted ongoing issues of representation and sensitivity in media portrayals.
Net Worth
Eku Edewor has established herself as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
Her diverse career has earned her an estimated net worth of over $500,000, making her one of the most influential and wealthy personalities in African entertainment.
