'I would never push my girls in any direction'

Former Sugababes singer Heidi Range chats about music, motherhood and how she would never be a pushy parent

- JULIE ANN TRAINOR

Heidi Range has gone from a teenage popstar with a string of hits to a mum-of two who speaks openly about her experiences of miscarriage in the hope it brings comfort to other women.

The ex-Sugababes singer is married to property developer Alex Partakis, 44, and they have two daughters – Aurelia, six, and Athena, who turns three this week.

In this exclusive chat with new, Liverpudlian Heidi, 41, opens up about having children, the likelihood of reuniting with her old Sugababes bandmates and who her dream Strictly partner would be…

Hi, Heidi! Are your daughters showing any signs of following you into a pop career?

Like most little girls, they love music and they love dancing, so we’ll see, but I would never push them in any direction. Aurelia has got a beautiful voice, she sings for the school and she’s really confident, but I never want to push her – I’ll just see what she decides. Athena – who’s two – goes to ballet classes once a week and it’s genuinely the highlight of her week. I think it’s good for their confidence and social skills, even if they’re just happy to stand up in a room full of people. I’m definitely not a pushy mum.

You look very fit. Is that down to running after young children or something else?

I love going to the gym when I get the chance. We’ve got a really good gym which is about a two-minute walk from my house so that’s handy and especially when Aurelia is at school. I took four classes this week, which was good, so if I can keep that up…

Does your weight and size stay the same?