My childhood was happy, busy and full of love. Mum was incredible at raising me and my sister on her own. She worked hard to buy our council house, did a great job of making memories, and made every Christmas and summer holiday as exciting as she could.
In an ideal world everybody wants a relationship with both parents, but my dad wasn’t in the picture. I didn’t know any different and I didn’t suffer. He missed out, which is a shame, but it was his choice.
I entered a competition, aged 12, to perform solo before S Club 7 at Wembley Arena. During the auditions the producers decided to form a group, S Club Juniors, instead. I loved it. I still lived at home with chores to do, so there was no chance of getting above my station.
Putting five girls together in The Saturdays sounds like a recipe for disaster. You hear horror stories of girl bands hating each other, and we weren’t always on the same page, but we felt lucky and respected each other. It was a sister-like relationship.
This Morning isn’t a hard-hitting news programme. When we interview politicians we ask the questions our viewers want, like what something means for them and their kids. I try to be neutral, even when I have an idea of someone. People you don’t expect can be charismatic and kind to the runners, while others you look forward to meeting aren’t.
Some parts of being in the public eye are glamorous, but my life is mostly mundane. School run, office, supermarket. I love a night out and a tequila, but it’s with my friends on my own terms. I’m not really part of that crazy world.
Setting up a management group was me taking the reins of my own life. I was with a brilliant corporate firm, which worked to a point, but I was done with the man telling me what he thinks I should do. Now, I look after myself and my husband, too. Nobody has our backs better than me.
You can’t be what you can’t see. I was aware growing up that there wasn’t anyone on TV who looked like me. There have been changes, but there’s a long way to go. Now, in my children’s books, there are characters who look like everybody.
My husband, Marvin [Humes], and I aren’t scared to tell each other what we think. Communication is healthy and important. We respect what each of us brings to the table and, if he’s pissed me off, deep down I know he didn’t mean to, and vice versa.
I’m often the one asked who is looking after the children. Marvin will reply “You mean, our children?” We co-parent well. If one of us has commitments it can be 80/20 or even 60/40, but mostly it’s 50/50. My kids understand how lucky they are and how different things looked for me growing up. Family is my greatest personal achievement.
My signature dish is undoubtedly a roast dinner. It was Marvin’s last meal at home before he entered the jungle [on I’m a Celebrity…]. On Instagram, I’ll post about work, but in the comments everyone will be asking about my roast potatoes.
I’d like to be remembered as the girl that gave it a go. It’s going to be someone, so why not me? Mum taught me not to take no for an answer. There’s always a way to figure things out.
Disney’s Wish is in cinemas now
