This much I know: Carol Anthony, singer

I’m the youngest of nine. Not one of them is in showbiz!

I’m very business oriented. Before I became a singer, I had my own clothes shop, Havana, with outlets in Roches Stores in Dublin and also in Cork. But then my business partner moved on and I couldn’t handle it on my own.

Fashion buying is a very tricky business. You want to be in the know big time, all the time. You have to predict what’s going to sell. I was only 20 or so, and I found it very tiring although I loved it.

The one fashion basic I always rely on is the black dress. I have about 25 of them, all very similar.

I didn’t push that much for a singing career, things just sort of happened. I went to stage school in Cork from the age of four and then did some modelling before a local producer asked to record me. That demo lead to me being signed by Universal Music back in 2004. Next thing you know I’m on the road with Westlife.

I went from living with my parents in Cork to ‘living the dream’ in Dublin. I was very naive. One of my first nights out was at The Gangs of New York film premiere, sitting next to Bono and Leonardo de Caprio. I kept running to the loo and texting my friends.

I’m still very close to my parents although now home is between London and Cork. I drove them crazy when I was a kid, always getting them to drive me around to shows and rehearsals — but I think they are proud of me now.

I love red wine, the only reason I’ve started cutting down is because of the calories. So I’m becoming more health-conscious. I started at Evolution Gym where I do half an hour one-on-one training three days a week and follow their sensible diet regime. I’ve already lost about ¾ of a stone in only three weeks and not in the gaunt haven’t-eaten-for-days look — my skin and muscle tone look amazing.

To survive this business, you have to be very thick skinned and to know you really want it. It’s all about your mind-set. But every business is tough and the same formula applies to each one — you have to put in the work — you only get out what you put in.

Worrying gets you nowhere. I used to worry a lot but there are solutions to all problems. Well, within reason.

I’ve a lot of projects bubbling away in the background — I’d certainly like to break into TV more.

I just shot Celebrity Salon. I’m very laid back, I’m not a fiery person and I’m not into conflict — so after the first few days the producers had to ask me to come out of myself more, they felt I was fading into the background.

We shot it all over three weeks a couple of months ago. Its real old-school reality TV, none of that scripted stuff. I was nervous as hell going in there and having to live 24/7 with some very strong personalities but it was a fantastic experience.

I couldn’t believe how difficult it is to do hair and beauty. I learnt a few things — mainly that I’m terrible at all that stuff, except the massage.

I used to get very lonely when I was on the road. Now, I love being alone in my hotel room after a long day. The only down side to being on any type of tour is that you miss out on birthdays and celebrations with friends and family.

Carol Anthony’s latest single ‘Gypsy Girl’ is out now on the Empire label.