Quotes from Sophie Ellis-Bextor

I think there's quite a lot of cowardice in music. I don't mind if it goes wrong, I just want to go for it.

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

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

Now when I say Sophie Ellis-Bextor I feel that's not really me because that's become this entity from doing the gigs and the shows and the make-up contracts and whatever else.

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.

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

I don't think anyone doubts my motives, really. I do what I do and it's not very complicated. Of course, you might hate the music that I make, but I don't think people feel threatened by me just getting on with what I'm up to.

I used to be hung up on my figure, but it's a waste of time. I don't believe in diets. Have four pints one night, be healthy the next.

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

I try my hardest not to read reviews.

I don't know why people think I'm polished - I often leave the house with buttons missing and ladders in my tights.

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

I'm a little bit allergic to the whole brand thing to be honest but maybe it's just happening around me and I'm not really aware of it.

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.

I'm a sucker for good black skirts and pretty little shirts and kooky tops. I have to admit that shopping satisfies my craving for immediate gratification.

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

Yeah, I'm not really a morning person.

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.

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.

It's funny how intimate it feels to get a text.

I used to be hung up on my figure, but it's a waste of time. I don't believe in diets. Have four pints one night, be healthy the next.

My parents separated when I was four. It wasn't the smoothest of divorces, but then as my mother always says, you can't have a passionate marriage without a passionate divorce.

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.

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