I am fussy, about my diet and straining my voice. I know, sounds a bit over the top. But I'm not as bad as I used to be. These days I don't drink alcohol for five days before a show - very dehydrating for the vocal cords, and all that acid reflux. I used to ban it for a fortnight. Nightmare.

Confidence is one of the sexiest things.

I'm launching my own festival in South Wales. It's something I've wanted to do for a long time. It's going to be held at Margam Park, because I wanted the venue to be as close to my home as possible.

I really see myself as a homegirl. Wales is my first home. London is my second home - I've been there 14 years now.

Marilyn Monroe was supposedly a size 16, which is probably why I love her style; it suits me better.

I'd love to play Carmen - it's the perfect mezzo role.

Yes. I do about 70 shows a year, in the past year I've been to Italy, Australia, Japan, China, just about everywhere. I do it because I love singing. The money is a bonus.