The shape I’m in: Rachel Stevens

RACHEL STEVENS is reaching for the sky — yet again, says Irene Feighan.

The talented singer-songwriter from S Club 7 has just been asked at the last minute to join the Strictly Come Dancing live tour, standing in for Frankie Bridge who is pregnant with her second child.

She is also planning a reunion tour — the first in over a decade - with the international chart topping group and is a coach on the Voice of Ireland.

Married to Alex Bourne, the couple live in Britain with their two girls: Amelie, four, and Minnie, nine months.

Being a mum makes her more conscious than ever of being a good role model.

“In S Club we’ve always been aware that we had a very young following to begin with, there is always that responsibility. You want to do your best at what you do. I’ve always been aware of that and as I’ve gotten older that has grown. Definitely being a mum makes you aware of that,” says the 36 year old.

“Ameile is at that point now where she is so into everything — music and dancing. Already she knows all the words to ‘Reach’ and ‘Bring it all Back’ ... it makes me feel really emotional watching her at first knowing all the songs. It’s great to show your children that you are working and doing.”

And how does she rate the contestants in Voice of Ireland?

“This show is based on so many things. How they are on the night... what songs they are given, the popularity of the individual so you just never know who is going to come through but the talent it really, really strong.”

* The Voice of Ireland RTÉ One Sundays at 6.30pm.

What shape are you in?

Not bad — I had to do so much dancing leading up to Christmas [for the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special] it allowed me to eat whatever I want.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I am a lot more knowledgeable about what is healthy for me and my body.

I eat a lot of vegetables and I love fish and I’m a big sushi fan. I eat pretty much everything. I love food. I try and control just how much I eat. I think we eat more than we really need to.

What are your guiltiest pleasures?

I love Lindt chocolate. I also love Indian food — I could go on about food the whole time.

What would keep you awake at night?

Not much at the moment. I’m up so early in the morning with the kids. By nine or ten o’clock— very un rock ‘n‘ roll — I’m ready for bed. You’ve got to get to sleep when you can. You never know what time of night you are going to be up with them.

How do you relax?

As soon as the kids are in bed I have a lovely bath. I have a nice glass of wine and it’s time for me and my husband to chill out and catch up and have a nice dinner and then watch TV - I love all the reality shows.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Elvis, my brother, husband, Dolly Parton, Marilyn Monroe, Brad Pitt and Michael McIntyre.

What is your favourite smell?

My babies when they come out of the bath - they are all powdery, warm and cuddly. My favourite candle is Cassis by The White Company.

What would you like to change about your appearance?

I’d add an inch or so — I’m just under 5ft. But as you get older you say, this is me.

When is the last time you cried?

I tend to cry at lots of things. I watched the movie Something’s Got to Give the other night and I cried. I’m such a sucker for soppy movies these days.

What traits do you least like in others?

Bitchiness, selfishness and disloyality.

What traits do you least like about yourself?

I’m a worrier - I’d like to change that. I think a lot about things. I’m stubborn - very stubborn - and I’m a pefectionist. It’s difficult being a perfectionist because you want to get everything right but you can’t get everything right - nothing is perfect. I am slowly learning that.

Do you pray?

I do practice my faith. For me it is all about tradition, family — things that I take on from when I was younger. I am not really religious.

What would cheer up your day?

Seeing my girls always cheers up my day. No matter what mood you’re in they are just amazing — that innocence and some of the things they come out with. Also music — there are certain songs that always make me feel good. One that is quite nostalgic for me is ‘Zoom’ by Fat Larry’s Band.