Martine McCutcheon has revealed that she has started working on new music, with the news coming following the tragic death of her brother LJ McCutcheon last month.
The singer, 46, hasn't released a single or album in five years, though she did have a festive extended play (EP) out – titled Home for Christmas – towards the end of 2020.
She's now confirmed that she's planning new music, teasing that she's begun working on her fifth album – which comes following the release of Lost and Found in 2017.
The chart-topper, who made her debut with a cover of Perfect Moment in 1999, has said: "We've literally just started writing new material and writing new music".
Martine – who's married to singer-songwriter Jack McManus, 38 – told the Sun : "I love such a mixture of music and the arts, and I'd just like to reflect that on the album."
Since the launch of her debut album You Me & Us in 1999, she has released pop tracks, musical theatre covers and more recently even had a "more rocky" album.
She told the outlet that she wants to perform songs "that need a voice to sing them," expressing interest in "beautiful" lyrics and melodies as well as "gorgeous" production.
Do you enjoy reading about celebrities? Sign up for all the best celeb news from the Mirror here .
Martine, whose music career took off following her departure from EastEnders in 1998, further commented that she wants to perform in front of live audiences again.
She is no stranger to performing live, having toured over the course of her career and having even starred as Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady on the West End back in 2001.
The Masked Singer alum said she will be working on the new album for a little while. She said: "This full on project of the album will probably be taking up a lot of this year."
The news of her upcoming return to music comes following the tragic passing of her younger brother Laurence John (LJ) McCutcheon, who died last month aged just 31.
She announced his death earlier this month, saying that he had died "suddenly" and that there was "no medical explanation" for it. She said the family will investigate further.
Martine has described LJ as a "gentle giant" with a "huge heart". She said he would want her to "keep on keeping on". She said he was "so proud" of her bringing joy to fans.
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@mirror.co.uk or call us direct 0207 29 33033.
