Michelle McManus shot to fame after being crowned winner of 2003's Pop idol. Now, after a break from fame, and having ditched the ballads, she is back in the limelight with a brand new sound. She spoke to us about writing her own songs for own label, her take on this year's X Factor and loving singledom.

How has your life changed since Pop Idol?

My life has been unbelievable since winning Pop Idol. I can't believe it's been four years this Christmas since I won!

What is it like to become famous overnight? Do you enjoy the attention or can it be difficult to go out without being recognised?

It's really quite surreal to walk down the street and people point and whisper "oh look there's that Michelle McManus" but to be fair everyone is always lovely to me. Never has anyone been negative to me face to face.

What do you think of this year's X Factor contestants - who do you want to win?

To be honest I've not really been watching the show this year because every time I have tuned in they are all crying! I also think there is far too much focus on the judges - I want to see more of the contestants!

Why the change of sound with this new single and album from your usual style of belting ballads?

Well I am really proud of the first album but I don't feel an album of love songs is a true reflection of the music I listen to and ultimately the music I want to make. I have co-written most tracks on this album and yes there is a real 80s electro pop feel to it. I really love bands like Human League, Soft Cell, A-ha and Depeche Mode and took great inspiration from their music.

Is 80s dance still popular enough to sell records? Are you optimistic of its success? Who is your main target audience?

Most people (who remember) love the 80s and the music that came from that era. Lots of artists recently have had an 80s theme going on. Just look at Calvin Harris and Timbaland's latest single The Way I Are to know that the 80s sound is very much back.

How have you found writing your own stuff? Is that a skill you have practised for years alongside singing or is it something you have started only recently?

I wasn't really sure if I could write a song to start with but I thought I would give it ago! Luckily enough for me I got to write with a very talented man by the name of Oliver Jacobs who is a genius in the studio. We only started last November and then one year on we have an album, Dancing To A Different Beat.

What is the reason behind creating your own record label, McManii Records, as opposed to using the other big names of the industry?

I have spent that last two years knocking on various record company doors only to be told they would love to sign me up for a "Michelle sings the love songs or Michelle sings your film favourites". As much as I would have loved a record deal, it's just not the music I want to do. So I looked into starting my own label and what the financial implications would be. At the end of the day I have made some good business decisions in my life. I own property in Glasgow, had a no.1 selling book and no.2 selling DVD. There is no point in me earning this money and not putting it back into something worth while.

You say you are celebrating being single with this new sound. What is the best thing about being single and are you not looking for love at the moment?

I love the fact I only need to worry about me which can be hard enough! I'm lucky that at this point in my life most of my girlfriends are single so we all have a great social circle. We have a great laugh and of course meet lots of different lovely men on the way!

What is in the pipeline for the near future?

After this single, a second single and album will follow early in the new year. Before all that I'm going off on a tour of Asia and India with the production of Little Voice. We start off in Singapore on January 9 and to top it all off we are playing and staying in the world famous Raffles hotel!

what do you wish to achieve at the height of your career in the music industry and beyond?

I would just love to always be working. Being famous and celebrity life mean nothing to me. I just want to enjoy my work and have longevity.

Michelle McManus' new single Just For You is out on November 5 and that night she will be appearing at Flamingos, Blackpool.