The X Factor' is great entertainment, but it doesn't prepare people for getting chewed up and spat out by the music industry.

I started my music career at 18 and for a long while I let other people handle my affairs.

I'm someone who has always been quite clear about what I like. In the studio, I'm not a control freak but I know what I want.

I'm the messiest person I know.

A good song is a good song whatever your age.

In real life, I'm not super-posh but if that's the stereotype, I really don't care. It could be worse.

I try not to wear anything I have to fidget with - there's nothing worse than wearing something and pulling down the hem and re-adjusting the top. My pet hate is when girls wear those strapless dresses and spend the whole night yanking them up.