"The Voice completely changed my life" - What Leanne Did Next

Our new search for The Voice begins this Saturday (7pm BBC One but you know that by now!) and it made us miss last year’s very lovely winner, Leanne Mitchell. We wanted to know how her life has changed since the show so we picked up the phone and gave her a call (she’s totes on speed dial) - it turns out things have changed A LOT. Here’s what Leanne had to say...

Hi Leanne! What have you been up to since you won The Voice UK last June?

I've mainly been in the studio writing and recording my debut album, which is released on May 27th! I really wanted to write the majority of the album - this is a massive opportunity so I wanted to put everything into it, and make it the best I possibly could. I love the single If I Knew Then. It’s a big emotional ballad with a bit of a punch to it.

Oh, and I've written a book!

What’s it like being an actual, proper artist?

Erm.... I think this is the first time I've been asked that one, so I haven't really thought of myself that way! The fact that I have a record deal is still so surreal. I'm just so grateful to be given the opportunity to do something that I've always wanted but never thought would actually happen!

Why do you think Tom Jones won last year? What was he like as a coach?

Tom was an absolute gentleman, and considering how long he's been in the industry, he is still so down to earth and seems to really care. He obviously likes big voices, so he was a great coach for me. And I still can't believe I got to duet with him!!

Are you glad you took part in The Voice? Would you recommend it to other aspiring artists?

Without a doubt! Without sounding too cliche or cheesy, The Voice completely changed my life. It's opened up doors and opportunities I never ever thought possible for me. I would absolutely recommend other singers to go for it.

 Will you be watching the new series this Saturday?

Abso-flippin-lutely! I can't wait! Although my stomach still does a somersault every time I hear the theme tune!!

Series 2 of The Voice UK starts THIS SATURDAY at 7pm on BBC One and BBC One HD.