Home is…
I’ve moved in and out of London over the past 15 years depending on how well my career was going. I dream of moving back to Sheffield, living in a great big house and nobody hearing from me ever again!
Where do you stay in London?
I recently stayed at the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel for my birthday. My favourite spa though is Banya No 1 in Hoxton. If that had a hotel, I’d stay there.
Where was your first flat?
Finsbury Park with my friends Emma and Stump. I had the biggest room and everyone called me ‘princess’.
What was your first job?
I was in an indie-band called Slow Club and then I was a very bad assistant, a waitress and a fairy in a panto!
Where would you suggest for a first date?
I’ve never done this, but Madame Tussauds would be very funny. Maybe karaoke at a working men’s club or a bus tour of London. Doing something touristy would be fun.
Best meal you’ve had?
I’ve been resurrected from the dead by Yard Sale Pizza when I’ve been hungover.
If you could buy any building in London and live there, which would it be?
The Millennium Dome! I’d make it affordable housing for working-class creatives. It might be bad for sound-proofing though…
What makes someone a Londoner?
Having that weird voice that’s different from mine. I spent my whole childhood jealous of people who lived in London, because it might mean they get to go to Sylvia Young.
What’s your biggest extravagance?
I have started to get a lot of massages and a lot of cabs. I’m like Elton John is with flowers, but with massages, and I don’t want to total up what I’m spending!
Where do you go to let your hair down?
I used to go to Rowans bowling. I don’t go out any more — I let my hair down by putting a wash on and changing my bedding. I love doing that!
Who is your hero?
Marina AbramoviÄ — she taught me patience and beauty and I think she taught me about committing to the art and not how it is perceived.
What do you collect?
Awards you get for being nominated for something, but not quite winning them.
Who is the most iconic Londoner?
Amy Winehouse.
Who do you call to have fun?
Jack Rooke, because he’s the best person to have fun with in any city.
What have you been doing for work?
Working on the Dove Self-Esteem Project, raising awareness of the damage that harmful beauty content on social media can have on kids’ mental health. Inadequacy has always been my default and social media keeps women in a constant state of comparison, holding us back and stopping us grow. My goal is to close the gap. I’m also working on my new album and appearing in Cabaret, playing Sally Bowles — my dream!
What apps can’t you live without in the city?
I’m obsessed with Lime biking, it’s definitely how I’m gonna die — I have no cycling proficiency, but I just love to pedal those Limes!
What’s your London secret?
There’s too many weird things I’ve done in London that I need to keep secret, so I’m not going to tell you…
Self Esteem is a project partner for the Dove Self-Esteem campaign
