Do you worry about looking too masculine?

I'm a tomboy, I've always been a tomboy, but no matter how muscular I get, or how many tattoos or how short my hair is, I'm very feminine. I'm very girly and I'm very soft.

Tell me some girly things you're into?

I put nail varnish on and stuff, but I'm really crap at it and I'm not really into clothes. Girly things I'm into ... I'm into boys (laughs). I like cooking. That's girly isn't it? The kitchen is my favorite room in the house. My kitchen's really cool. I like hanging out with girly mates, going to the cinema. I like watching romantic comedy movies.

Have you ever considered going for the high glamour look?

Occasionally I wear shoes and I wear a skirt in the video, but the more muscular I get, I feel like I look silly in dresses. To me comfort is the most important thing. If you feel awkward in something then you don't look good.

How hard have you been hitting the weights room?

I used to do a lot of cardio because I didn't want my vocals to suffer while I was on stage running around and being really energetic. But there's not a lot of me and I wanted to get more muscular. I started doing more weights. I don't know whether it's the adrenaline and endorphins or whatever, but I started to get pretty addicted to it. I like lifting heavy weights. I've got to be strong and look after myself, because all the press are out to get me (laughs).

Are you strict with your gym routine?

I work out intensely but I don't make myself go to the gym, I just enjoy it. It also helps jet lag, helps me de-stress and keep focused. When I was in LA I was doing a lot of yoga as well. Which I find really helps. In the studio I sung better after I'd just done yoga. I just got really good headspace.

How was your time in LA?

We rented a house in West Hollywood, up in the hills. It was perfect for my lifestyle. There were loads of gyms, loads of studios and the weather's great. You can go out running on the beach, you could go rollerblading, surfing. It was paradise. My work schedule was pretty intense, but I had a lot of fun. I went to movie premieres, met Adam Sandler, went to a Lenny Kravitz gig and got to speak to him.

Do you see yourself there on a permanent basis?

I do like it a lot, but I've got a flat in London and Liverpool, so I spend time in lots of different places. I don't see myself anywhere permanently because I'm going to be on the road so much.

What was a typical day in LA?

I'd train most mornings, drive down to Santa Monica and go running, do kickboxing or yoga. Then I'd come back, lie by the pool, go to the studio in the afternoon. I'd be there through the evening, and usually I'd be so exhausted I'd go straight to bed.

Do you have your own chef?

Yes, I do have a chef when I travel. In Australia and in America you can generally get good food, but in some places, like Europe, the food can sometimes be pretty shit. And at least if I have a chef, I know I'm getting what I need to stay fit and healthy. I'm very health conscious. I eat loads of fresh fruits, vegetables and seafood. I eat loads of protein - but I'm not that strict because I want to try different things in different countries.

How upsetting are the gay rumours?

So many women I speak to, successful, beautiful women, haven't had a relationship in ages. When it happens, it happens. But because I'm in the public eye, there's been this great hoo ha about it. Have you been too honest, too open in your lyrics?

I did what I had to do. I wrote the songs I wanted to write. But listening back you do go, 'Oh shit, Everyone's gonna know exactly where I'm coming from, exactly what I'm talking about.' But people also make it relevant to their own situations. I like that about songs, that you can read what you like into it.

A lot of questions have been directed at your image change. Has it been deliberate?

It wasn't a conscious thing but the timing was just perfect. It all happened around the time that the album was coming together. The media has made a big deal about the haircut and the tattoos and stuff, but it's done me a favour, because it's brought attention to the album.

Describe your style?

Scruffy, but comfy. I like to be comfortable and clean, that's important. The music you listen to influences what you wear - so maybe I'm a bit indie. I like my trainers and the casual look. Indie-casual-rock-chick, that's my style. I can't be bothered with makeup but I think it's nice when you have a special occasion to get dressed up. But if you look like that every day then you don't look special, do you?

Are you going to get more tattoos?

I always wanted a tattoo when I was growing up. Then I got it and I was hooked. I've had one new tattoo lately.

Do you enjoy the pain involved?

For me, it is a funny thing. You do get a bit horny. But I think it's an adrenaline thing. You feel like you've earned them. When the tattoo is finished you feel like you deserve it. It's like meditating really, because it is very painful, some of them more than others, and you can feel every stroke of the needle.