Sam Bailey interview: "I couldn't have wished for a better year"

Has it really been a year since Sam Bailey won The X Factor and stormed her way to he 2013 Official Christmas Number 1? While we wonder just what we've been doing with ourselves, Sam released her debut album The Power Of Love back in March - and it's still one of the 40 best-sellers of the year to date. 

With a festive 'Gift Edition' of the record out this week, we caught up with the singer to find out how life has changed over the last 12 months, her plans for Christmas and what we expect from her second album.   

Hello Sam! You’ve re-released your debut album this week with some festive tracks…

“Just in time for Crimbo! I’ve been told it’s the fastest selling debut from a female artist this year – that’s just incredible.”

It’s also currently one of the Top 40 best-selling albums of 2014. Did you expect it to be such a success?

“The whole thing has just gone absolutely swimmingly. I couldn’t have wished for a better year, it’s been amazing. I’ve also had a baby but fortunately she’s a well behaved one! As a mum I’ve been running on a maximum of six hours sleep for years so in terms of how my life has changed, I’m busy, but it’s manageable. I’ve probably jinxed it now, but hey, that’s what mums do!”

A year after winning The X Factor, you’re still very popular with public, which must be reassuring?

“I think it’s because people have warmed to me. I’m quite normal – what you see is what you get and there’s no airs and graces with me. I like to wear my Ugg Boots and trackies and every now and then, I get glammed up and sing on stage, which is amazing.”

So this ‘Gift Edition’ of your album. Was this a ‘recording Christmas songs in the summer’ job?

“Yes it was – I was recording Christmas songs in August which was strange! It’s helped me get organised though. By recording the songs in August, it pushed me to get my Christmas shopping done by October.”

October?! Aren’t you worried that your Christmas cheer will have peaked too soon?

“The danger is going out shopping again and spotting more presents you’d like to buy. Basically I’ve bought too many presents again, but I spoiled my kids before X Factor anyway. Come Christmas Day you won’ be able to see the carpet in my front room.”

Have you started work on album two yet? When can we expect it?

“Next year I’ll be getting into the studio and writing with some amazing people. Getting another album out next year is definitely on the cards. I want to do my own stuff and write some original songs and show people what I can do. I don’t want to come back with loads of covers – I want to do my own stuff, as well as some duets.”

Have you got your eye on anyone in particular?

“I’ve got my eye on loads of people babes! There are so many people I’d like to work with. I’m old school though - I think it would pretty weird if I collaborated with Tinchy Stryder or something - I’m old enough to be his mum!”

Sam Bailey - The Power Of Love: Gift Edition is out now.