2:50pm Friday 30th July 2010
Exclusive By John Anson
At just 18 Diana Vickers has had a number one single and album, played to thousands of music fans and been a regular on TV shows. On the day she turns 19, she tells us it’s been an amazing year.
IT’S 3.15 in the afternoon and Diana Vickers is in a car taking her from one TV studio to another.
She’s attempting to fit in her lunch and talk to me at the same time — just another day for the teenage pop star who celebrates her birthday today.
“I can’t believe I’ll be 19, just a year left as a teenager,” laughs the former Westholme schoolgirl who in the past 12 months has had both a number one single and album.
“It's just so mad.
“I still can’t quite believe it all,” said Diana.
The last few weeks have been more hectic than ever, giving Diana little chance to spend time with her parents in Huncoat.
In between playing most of the summer’s major festivals, she’s also been supporting her fellow former X Factor contestants JLS at arena dates around the country.
Then there has been an endless round of TV shows and radio interviews promoting her second single The Boy Who Murdered Love.
“Sometimes I don’t really have time to think,” said Diana.
“But it’s great. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
"Every day just goes by so fast there is so little time to dwell on anything, even for five minutes.
“I was in a taxi going through London the other day past the Houses of Parliament.
"When I was growing up, a trip to London was such a big deal.
"I only ever went on a school trip but now I’m living down here and doing all these amazing things.”
The festival season has introduced Diana to a whole new audience.
“I love doing festivals,” she said. “I remember at T in the Park I was really nervous because you do worry if anyone will even come to your tent to see you.
"But when I walked out on stage the place was packed and it was a fantastic atmosphere.”
In between performing, Diana revealed she is already hard at work on her second album.
Her debut CD, Songs From The Tainted Cherry Tree, went straight to the top of the album charts in April.
“If I get a couple of days off I’ll go into the studio to work on songs,” she said.
“I really enjoy writing and the whole process of putting an album together.”
Last night Diana was planning on going out with her friends in London to celebrate her birthday and then hoping to fit in a quick visit back to East Lancashire to see mum Ann and dad Eddie.
“I’m actually going to get a quick holiday and go to Miami and then Ibiza, which I’m really looking forward to,” said Diana.
“After that it’s straight back to work.
“We’re looking at another tour in September and it would be nice to come back North and pay some dates but nothing has been finalised yet.”
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