Sophie Ellis-Bextor

In terms of clothes, everything is on the same level for me. If I like it, it doesn't matter if it cost £200 or £2.

Writing songs about fancying people in dance clubs is all very well but it's not the be-all and end-all. There are other topics.

I had my autograph down by the age of 13. I used to sign it everywhere.

Yes, being educated is definitely an advantage. But having said that, I've met so many people in life who haven't done very well at school but who are still really bright.

I'm always sticking up for other people.

I'm all for consumer rights. I get very aggravated if I don't get a good service.

Trust your instincts: they tend to see you right. By listening to them, at least you can sleep at night.

Being a chef would be too much hard work.

I'm the messiest person I know.

I get really frustrated if people don't smile.

I didn't feel so great when I was a teenager, but who does?

I'm happy that I have a look, but I don't over-analyse whether or not it's beautiful or ugly.

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

I've got a thing for footwear; I have about 200 pairs of shoes from all over the world.

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

My little boy Sonny makes me laugh all the time. He has good comedic timing.

I like the influence of the macabre, but I don't believe in ghosts.

I never manage to get to bed early on Sunday night but this doesn't matter, as I don't know one level of exhaustion from another.

I try my hardest not to read reviews.

I really love being in London at weekends - there's always so much to do.

Dance music is great, but it's not a time to be reflective or particularly wistful.

I'm a sucker for sad disco pop.

I don't think writing or co-writing my songs makes me a better singer, but I haven't really got an excuse not to do it as I've got too many opinions!

I don't want to sound like an old grandmother but actually it's quite nice when you get up early and then, by the time it gets to 10am, you're quite perky and already quite switched on.

A good song is a good song whatever your age.

You learn that, when your children are all right, everything is right in the world.

When it comes to my family I never quite know how protective I have to be, or what I should or shouldn't say.

You should make an effort on stage because it's a performance. The stage should be glittery and camp, but I don't go down the shops in full stage gear.

The NHS is a bit iffy when you sprain an ankle, but when it's a high-priority issue, it's fantastic. They don't mess about. They're incredibly efficient when things go wrong.

I'm big in Russia, but no one's quite sure why.

I tasted huge success with my first album, and when it's happening it feels like a roller coaster you can't get off. You should be very careful about wishing for success on that scale.

It's hard to feel comfortable in your own skin when you're younger.

Come rain or shine I walk short distances rather than taking my car.

Turning the thermostat down is something that I do pretty reluctantly. I like to be able to walk around in whatever I fancy at home.

I would love to record something with PJ Harvey or Alison Goldfrapp.

Yeah, I'm not really a morning person.

A career in entertainment has a lifespan, like one in sport.

I've got quite a curvy shape so I try to wear stuff that's tailored.

I love getting dressed up. Being a pop star is the most brilliant job for that. A lot of girls love shopping, but they might see the most amazing outfit and think, 'When am I going to wear that?', so it's my duty to exploit the fact I do have events I can wear these things to.

I'm too frightened of confrontation, so I will always tip - even if the service has been really shoddy.

My parents are good role models because they've worked hard and gave me a happy childhood.

I can definitely tell when mum has got money because then she likes to go shopping to spend it, whereas dad is steadier and avoids splurges. I like to think I've inherited both sides.

You need to have a life outside your career.

Some people are really good at packaging themselves, but that's not really me.

I do find it a bit disconcerting when your name becomes a brand.

Having a successful first album is one thing, but a successful third is another.

Getting up to dance to your own stuff looks pretty pretentious. And leaving the dancefloor when it comes on is just awkward.

I've been DJing a little bit, so you get used to the fact that music sounds brilliant when it's loud.

There are a lot of people out there who lie about their age and I think it does us all a disservice. It can't all be over when you hit 30. That would be rubbish.

I don't think that old-fashioned idea of record companies exists any more.