

She became the face of Rimmell cosmetics alongside Kate Moss and now, in the lead-up to her fourth album, Straight To The Heart, furthers her relationship with Kylie/Beyonc&eacute; production aces The Freemasons on the sizzling, summery single Bittersweet.




Why not take some time out?

"I suppose because a lot of time what I do doesn't really feel like work. It's not the same as going back into the office or doing manual labour or anything. Both my children are really happy and healthy, and we have a great family support network."

Fresh and feisty modern floor fillers have always been Sophie's forte. On the new album, Greg Kurstin, Calvin Harris, Cathy Dennis, Metronomy, Richard X and Armin Van Buuren are among the production teams.

"Because I've been doing this a little now, I've found a lot of people I like working with," she explains. "A lot of time it happens through mutual friends. I know what I like and most of the time and my management and record company let me get on with it.

"The songwriting community is actually quite small and close knit. Everyone knows everyone else. You might end up working with someone and they become friends - that's the beauty of it, really"

In the case of Richard, she became very good friends indeed. Sophie and hubby even sing a duet on The Feeling's new album.

"Richard was originally in my band. I auditioned him," she smiles. "That's how we met. Touring is quite an intense little environment and we always got on, but we didn't start going out together until he wasn't working with me anymore."

Now seems a good time for Sophie to be returning, with La Roux, Florence & The Machine and Lady Gaga showing that her brand of colourful, ebullient electro-pop is as buoyant as ever.

"It feels like a resurgence of dance music and that's the sort of record I've made," she says. "I'm a music fan before I'm a singer, so I love it.

"I've also changed a lot onstage. When I was younger I used to stand still in one place and that became a style of mine, but now I leap all over the place.

"I'm fitter than I used to be so jumping around and singing at the same time doesn't wear

me out like it used to."

Stand aside please! Super Sophie is back - better than ever.

• New single Bittersweet is out on Monday.