Belting out Dancing Queen to packed gig in my white kneehigh boots and kimono, I tried to concentrate on the roaring crowd. Don't look at her, I told myself.
But as we hit the chorus again, I couldn't resist. 'Having the time of your life,' I sang, sneaking a glance at Agnetha, dancing with her boyfriend by the stage. Meeting my gaze, she patted a hand against her heart and gave me a thumbs up. It was such a thrill. I'd won the approval of the real Agnetha Fältskog.
It was 2011, and my ABBA tribute band Björn Again was doing a gig in Stockholm, Sweden. When I'd found out Agnetha was coming, I'd been nervous. I'd been her in the four-piece since 1998, when my mum Susan had spotted an advert in a magazine.
*Perfect for you, Mum had beamed.
At 25, with long, blonde hair, a slim figure and a good singing voice, I did seem to fit the part well. When I auditioned, the managers agreed. And while I'd been in bands before, this was another level.
As one of the biggest tribute bands ever, we toured the world, staying in amazing places and throwing incredible after-show parties. It could be exhausting, but it was always fun, and I imagined it was similar to the glamorous lives of the group back in the 1970s.
When the film Mamma Mia! came out in 2008, ABBA gained even more fans and we were busier than ever.
One of our most memorable gigs was at Buckingham Palace in 2010. I can picture the late Queen now, wearing the most beautiful silver dress.
I absolutely loved my jet-set lifestyle, but it didn't make relationships easy. I was always a bit of a part-time girlfriend and didn't meet anyone who I felt serious enough about to want to settle down with. Besides, I was having too much fun!
The years ticked by, but it never occurred to me that I wouldn't be a mum.
Denne historien er fra September 18, 2023-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
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Denne historien er fra September 18, 2023-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'SEEING MY NAME ON TV IS SURREAL'
Loose Women newbie Olivia Attwood Dack on joining the hit show, marriage and career goals
THE MISSING PIECE
My earliest memory of my older sister Priya wasn’t one where she was present, but rather, the realisation of her absence.
WEEKNIGHT WINNERS
Rustle up these tasty family dinners with just five easy ingredients
SMILING THROUGH CANCER
Like most mums, when my kids are upset I’ll do almost anything to turn their frowns upside down, whether it’s making Max, 11, his favourite chocolate cake or putting on silly voices for Georgia, eight, when she’s had a bad day at school.
BRAVERY AMIDST SUCH HORROR
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on dinner time, posh grub and wet summers
RELAX & RESET
For farm-to-table food and a game-changing spa, head for the dramatic Dolomites
HELP! I'M TURNING INTO MY MUM
As the years pass, Heather Main, 39, realises she’s inheriting more and more of her mother’s traits
I WAS MISTAKEN FOR MY HUSBAND'S MISTRESS!
When Gemma Loveden, 38, lost l6st, a family member was convinced she was someone else...
Denise confesses I'MA MORNING SEX PERSON'
Never one to mince her words, Denise Welch is much-loved by fans for her refreshing honesty.
Cat & Ben SNUBBED!
Are the This Morning hosts feeling disgruntled after missing out on an NTA nomination in favour of Alison?
