In an exclusive conversation, former Sugababes member Heidi Range has opened up about a significant personal milestone, admitting that returning to the stage has made her "come alive" again after years focused on motherhood.
From Pop Stardom to Motherhood and Back
The 42-year-old singer, who shares daughters Aurelia, eight, and Athena, four, with her husband, property developer Alex Partakis, was a key member of the iconic girl group Sugababes throughout the 2000s. During her tenure, the band achieved an impressive six UK number-one singles and two chart-topping studio albums, cementing their place in British pop history.
Since leaving the group, Heidi has remained in the public eye through various television appearances, including reality shows like Dancing On Ice and Celebrity MasterChef, as well as theatre productions such as Happy Days and The War of the Worlds.
Finding Herself Again After Motherhood
Heidi revealed that after having her daughters, she completely stepped back from her performing career, entering what she describes as "full 'mummy zone.'" This period saw her days consumed by her children's needs, leading to what she now recognises as a loss of personal identity.
"My youngest started school in September, and I've done a few concerts singing since then," Heidi explained. "I've really enjoyed it, and this year I want to say yes to more opportunities."
The singer admitted she hadn't realised how much she missed singing until she began rehearsing again. "Performing made a little part of me come alive again – it sounds cheesy, but it's true," she confessed with genuine emotion.
Mental Health and Personal Growth
Heidi has been candid about her struggles with mental health during her early days in the band, and she continues to work on personal growth. Her New Year's resolution focuses on worrying less, acknowledging that she's "a big worrier" who recently worried herself sick during her husband's four-day skiing trip.
"I'm trying to chill out a bit, but it's... just who I am, I'm afraid," she admitted, showing vulnerability about her ongoing journey toward better mental wellbeing.
Charity Performances and Future Plans
While Heidi isn't currently planning a full-blown return to pop music or releasing new material, she's definitely caught the performing bug again. The concerts she's done recently have been for charitable causes close to her heart, including performances for NSPCC and Childline, organisations for which she serves as a campaigner.
"It felt amazing to perform for a good cause and enjoy it again," she said, highlighting how these experiences have rekindled her passion for the stage.
Reflecting on Pop History and Future Ambitions
Heidi recently appeared in the BBC documentary Girlbands Forever, which explored the realities behind the glamour of Britain's most successful girl groups. She described the experience as a "celebration of girlbands" that she thoroughly enjoyed.
Looking to the future, Heidi expressed strong interest in participating in Strictly Come Dancing, calling it "on my wish list." She admitted, "I love Strictly. I cry every year, even at the opening credits. I'd love to learn to dance like that and watch the pros. I'd desperately love to do it."
As for keeping in touch with former bandmates and pop colleagues, Heidi revealed it's mostly limited to the occasional Instagram message, though she noted that industry events often lead to unexpected reunions.
Balancing Family and Career
The star reflected on the challenges of balancing family life with her renewed performing ambitions, acknowledging how quickly her children are growing up. "I can't believe we have an eight-year-old in the house – it's so scary how fast they grow," she said, still adjusting to her eldest daughter's recent birthday.
Despite the hectic schedule that comes with being a mother and returning to performance work, Heidi appears more content than ever, having found a new equilibrium between her family responsibilities and her rediscovered passion for singing.
