I have no doubt that the music I release next will be better.

I guess I was about 15. I wore glasses at the time, and I remember [first girlfriend] sitting on the floor at a party, one of those school parties where everyone is getting off with each other. I remember her taking my glasses off and saying something very complimentary about my eyes or whatever, and I was just so pissed off because I was convinced she was taking the piss out of me.

I also think I could probably repeat the commercial success; whether I want to or not is a different matter. I think there is still better work inside me.

I would advise any gay person that being out in the real sense can never happen too soon.

I think part of it has got to be compensation, yes, for the fact that when I was a kid, I wasn't particularly attractive. But at the same time I don't remember ever thinking, Oh, my God, I'm such a mess; I'm the ugliest sod in the class.

I can't believe that I've written my best work yet. If I believed that, then I wouldn't bother releasing music anymore.

I had a very important personal point to make with this song [I Want Your Sex]. I just hated the idea that lust and forbidden excitement could only come with sleaze and strangers.