Pop star Jessica Garlick has taken a step back from her hectic Eurovision year and revealed she hopes to release another single in 2003.

In May, Garlick, from Kidwelly in south west Wales, came third in the Eurovision song contest with her ballad Come Back.

I'd definitely consider doing Eurovision again - I had an amazing time and met great people Jessica Garlick

The song may have been beaten by Latvia, but it still made the UK Top 10 and turned the Pop Idol finalist into a household name.

She is now hoping to return in 2003, after spending New Year in London with a group of friends.

"We're just going to have a really nice time together, just chill out yet have fun," she said.

"I'm currently recording, and doing appearances around the country.

"I'm just taking my time because I want to get it right - I want to be a long-term artist," she added.

But she would not be drawn on whether she would be getting married in the next year.

"Me and my boyfriend Owen have been together for almost six years and we will marry, though we're unsure exactly when and where," she said.

Pop rivals

Garlick said that 2002 had flown by.

"It's gone so fast, though it's quite strange - Pop Idol and Eurovision seem like they were a lifetime ago," she said.

The Latvian entry won the Eurovision contest

Describing Eurovision as "a real dream come true", she said it was one of the best times of her life.

"I'd definitely consider doing Eurovision again - I had an amazing time and met great people!

She is still very good friends with fellow Pop Idol finalist Rosie Ribbons, from Swansea, who has released two singles.

"We live very close to each other in London and I really like her music.

"She's doing a great job, and I can't wait for the album release."

She is also in touch with Will Young, Gareth Gates and Darius and said they are all doing well.

"I enjoy all their music, though for me personally, I think I prefer Will's music - it's amazing!"

As for other reality TV talent shows, Jessica has been following both Pop Rivals and Fame Academy, but said rumours linking her with a place in the now-defunct Hear'Say were untrue.

"There was no truth in that one at all," she said.