Simpson keeps her word with country album

Pop star Jessica Simpson is keeping her promise to return to her musical roots - she has started work on her first country album.

The singer/actress revealed her plans for a new musical direction in an interview last year - and Simpson has stayed true to her word.

She tells Billboard magazine: "I am a country girl. I grew up in Texas, and country music was what I listened to.

"I always wanted to wait until the time was right."

Simpson has been working with country legend Willie Nelson on the follow-up to her 2006 album, 'A Public Affair'.