I turned down many chances to be on TV before 'Pop Idol' because I really wasn't interested in being famous. I didn't need it and didn't want it.

You don't go into anything contemplating failure, because if you did, you wouldn't make it.

People confuse ego, lust, insecurity with true love.

My attitude is, if someone's going to criticize me, tell me to my face.

Money brings you security and choice. You can make decisions in a different way if you have a lot of money. But when you have nothing, you have a naivety, and a more fearless attitude because you have nothing to lose.

Shave off your beard and wear a dress. You would be a great female impersonator.

If I go into a relationship with an artist, which at most is going to last five years, we have a 100-page contract covering every eventuality. Whereas with marriage you go into it with no contract, with laws that date back hundreds of years, and I don't think that's right.

I couldn't think of anything worse than being in an unhappy marriage. It worries me because I've seen it destroy people.

I was bought an electric guitar when I was 12, but my guitar teacher beat me up. I didn't like guitar lessons and I got quite bored. My teacher was obviously bored giving me lessons, and one day I offered him a liquorice toffee, but he didn't answer. So I threw it at him, it hit him in the face, and he sort of beat me up.

I have always hated celebrities lecturing people on politics. So forgive me. But I am passionate about this country. I am equally passionate about the potential of the people who live here.

I have always hated celebrities lecturing people on politics.

My dad said to me, 'Work hard and be patient.' It was the best advice he ever gave me. You have to put the hours in.