Tetney teenager Ella Henderson is recording her first album. She took a break from the studio to talk to reporter Katie Blackburn about life after The X Factor, her plans for a concert back home and what she would do if she became stranded on an desert island...
Q Hi Ella! What are you keeping yourself busy with now that the X Factor live tour has finished?
A I am currently working on my first album in a studio down south. This is "Ella time" now after the busy X Factor tour. It was fantastic and such a great experience to have been a part of. What I am doing now is an opportunity I have been waiting for my whole life. It is really important that my first album this year sets the foundations of my career. I am back with my piano where it all began, and I am loving having full control over my album.
Q What can we expect from the album? Is there a release date yet?
A The best thing now is that I am not under any pressure. I can relax and when I am completely happy with the album, it will be released. I hope to have a single out by summer and then the album will follow after that. I want the album to be real and truthful, I have experienced a lot over the past six months. As a songwriter, I have a lot more to say now. The album is starting to sound exciting and I don't think there is a sound like it out there right now.
Q You're a solo artist but can we look forward to hearing any duets on the album?
A I need to make sure on this first album that people understand who I am as an individual artist. I have not ruled out doing a duet in the future though and I am in talks with various artists. I won't give away too much though, but there are exciting things being planned for next year.
Q Since the X Factor live tour finished, have you managed to keep in touch with the other contestants?
A Yes, we all promised to stay in touch. We have created a WhatsApp group message so we are all in the loop. It is nice to keep supporting each other as unless you have been a contestant yourself, others do not know how it feels.
Q All your family remain up North, how often do you come back and visit North East Lincolnshire?
A Every time I have a few days off or need a break I will visit home. I love having that quality time with my brothers and sister and living in London I miss the Lincolnshire countryside.
Q You have fans all across the world, how easy has it been to take that in?
A I am 17 years old and to have the amount of support that I currently do is unbelievable. It was one thing to believe in myself, but to know others enjoy what I do is every artists' dream. The support from North East Lincolnshire has been overwhelming. My fans back home really inspire me to carry on.
Q What's the strangest fan mail you have received so far?
A To think I get fan mail is strange enough but I don't get anything unusual. People have sent me teddies and bracelets before.
Q You talk about the great support back home. Will we be seeing you perform live here anytime soon?
A Definitely – I can not thank everyone back home enough. I am concentrating on my album first then once it is out I will be touring to promote it. I really want to do a big live gig in my home town bringing some support acts with me. I am keeping my fingers crossed for this to happen by the end of the year.
Q For all your young fans in North East Lincolnshire who are beginning to get a feel for music themselves, what would your message be to them?
A Never give up, no matter how tough things get just carry on and work hard. Never plan either – you don't know what is around the corner. Looking back at this time last year, I would never have thought I would be where I am today. Ask yourself if you are happy.
Q There are reports that your X Factor mentor Tulisa might not be returning as a judge for this year's show. Are you still in touch?
A We still talk every now and then about how things are going. She was more of a friend on the show that I could confide in and she would guide me. As for her plans for this year's X Factor, I have no idea about that or what is happening.
Q Finally, if you were stranded on a desert island but allowed to have three things with you, what would they be?
A (Laughs) Firstly I would take a bottle of sweet chilli sauce, my puppy Trixie and of course, my piano!
