And woven into the fabric of this harsh existence was music.

Opera is credible drama now, and it costs less than going to a football match. What have you got to lose?

I'm very pro presenting the best music I can to the widest audience possible.

My mum used to say to me, 'Spit on yer 'ands and take a fresh 'old.' Keep going even if you have setbacks.

I do a lot of vocal hygiene.

That was when I realised that music is the most profound, magical form of communication there is.

I also have to support my speaking voice by sitting in a way that engages the diaphragm in the way I would for singing.