Leona Lewis says she has a lot to be grateful for this Christmas, especially her daughter, who she says has "brought back the magic" for her.
The 38-year-old London-born singer, who originally shot to fame winning the 2006 series of The X Factor, is proud mum to one-year-old Carmel, whom she shares with husband of four years, Dennis Jauch, a professional dancer and choreographer.
Opening up on how becoming a mum has changed her life, Lewis told The Standard: "I’m proud of my little girl, watching her grow is something that’s so unique every day and I try and stay really present to breathe every moment with her in.
"Since having Carmel, Christmas has taken on a whole new meaning and seeing it through her eyes has brought back the magic for sure."
Giving an insight into their Christmas plans as a family, she said: "Last year and this year we’ve spent Christmas in the UK to be around our family and friends and we’ve made such lovely memories. We still have the visit to Father Christmas to come, we’ll be doing that a little closer to the big day!
"My husband is German and they celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve so we always share a present on Christmas Eve now to blend our traditions. We always cook a lot and then lay around watching movies for the rest of the day. It’s not glamorous but it’s cosy and just about being together."This year incredibly marks ten years since she released the song One More Sleep. Not only has it become a festive classic, it re-enters the charts every winter as one of the most streamed Christmas songs in the UK.
Reflecting on its appeal, she said: "I knew it was special for sure, we all had that tingly feeling when we were writing and recording it. We were so in the Christmas spirit and just living in that moment and I’m just so proud of how it came out and that people love it as much as we do."
In addition to playing One More Sleep on repeat, fans will get an extra special dose of Lewis in their stockings this year as she has been confirmed to be a guest on the panel of The Masked Singer UK Christmas special, which airs on Christmas Day.
Speaking about the experience, she said: "I have always loved The Masked Singer, my mum told me about the show first as she was religiously watching it when it started. The concept is just so fun to me.
"Being part of their Christmas Special was such a joy and a real highlight of the year for me, I love the panel so it was a good time. We all had a real laugh! I also got to perform One More Sleep on the show, we made it so big and fun!
"I was so worried I wouldn’t be good at guessing [who was behind the mask] but actually I surprised myself."The Masked Singer: Christmas Special airs on Monday 25th December at 7.30pm on ITV1, ITVX and STV
