Jane Danson (Leanne Battersby, Coronation Street)

What’s your favourite music style?
I don’t really have a music style, I don’t suppose. I listen to anything, my album collection ranges from slushy ballads from Celine Dion right through to Snow Patrol, so I’ve got a real mixture of music. If I like a tune, I like a tune. But if I’m in the car, I like a bit of cheesy pop.

What’s your earliest singing memory?
Earliest singing memory was with my mum, singing to ‘I Know Him So Well’, by Elaine Paige and Barbara Dickson. We used to sing it to each other, how sad is that? And I was probably about seven.

Who would you compare yourself with musically?
Oh God, that’s tough. You don’t want to put yourself up there, but I am quite a big fan of the slushy ballads, so anyone who would do sort of a slow song. I don’t really know. I suppose I’m a big fan of Lucy Silvas and Tina Arena, that type of voice I quite like.

What can the audience expect?
I don’t know. I don’t know what I’m expecting myself yet. Hopefully, I’ll just kind of have fun with it and not get too upset if things go a bit pear-shaped, which I’m hoping they won’t. I’m just going to try and have fun with it and hope that they have fun with me.

What would Leanne say if she found out you were doing the show?
I think Leanne would probably be a bit jealous actually, because I think she’s probably a frustrated pop star herself. She was called a second-hand Britney Spears and a second-hand Spice Girl once, so I think she’d be quite envious. She’d probably want to get up there and do it herself. She’d probably batter me.

How will your friends and family react?
Obviously I’ve not really told many people. I’ve had to tell my mum and my sister because they’re looking after my little boy when my hubby’s not around. My mum was really pleased because she loves singing and always kind of encourages that in me. My sister was really pleased, so they’re just looking forward to coming and seeing the show and cheering me on.

Did you watch last year?
I did watch last year and I supported Richard and Andy, so it was nice to see Richard win.