Ellis Bextor changes name

British singer Sophie Ellis Bextor is returning to the charts after giving birth - with a new name.

The chart-topper has been missing from the music scene since she and her musician boyfriend Richard Jones welcomed their first son Sonny into the world last April.

But nine months on, she's ready to return as Mademoiselle EB, providing vocals on a new single, Circus, by dance act Busface.

But Ellis-Bextor insists the pseudonym is only to avoid confusing fans awaiting her third solo album.

She explains: "I am not trying to disassociate myself with the song.

"I am not done with my album yet and I just decided to have fun with an alter-ego so there was no confusion over whether it was a single from album three or not."

Meanwhile, she hints fans won't be disappointed when she releases her album later this year: "I am very, very excited at how my album is coming together."