'I’m more hungry than usual because I am dancing so much': Under the microscope with Pixie Lott

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The 23-year-old Strictly contestant and singer on dancing up to five hours a day, dementia in the family, having a sweet tooth and her high pain threshold

'My weight is pretty stable, though I never weigh myself. I’m 5 ft 8in and a size 8,' said Pixie Lott

CAN YOU RUN UP THE STAIRS?

Yes, I can. My fitness levels have vastly improved since starting Strictly Come Dancing — I’m dancing up to five hours a day, depending on my schedule. I don’t normally exercise, though I do run around on stage and have dance routines for music videos or TV performances. Overall, I just aim to keep busy and active, and that works for me.

GET YOUR FIVE-A-DAY?

I probably do — though I’m not strict about it. I eat a lot of fish and chicken and not much red meat. I always have fruit and vegetables. My favourites are broccoli, sweetcorn and carrots. When I have time, I will eat porridge and raisins for breakfast, but if I am busy, I grab a banana and snack bar.

POP ANY PILLS?

No. I might buy vitamin pills, but never get round to taking them. If I have a cold, I take cold and flu tablets.

EVER DIETED?

No, but I have had times when I’ve tried to eat more healthily. My weight is pretty stable, though I never weigh myself. I’m 5 ft 8in and a size 8. At the moment, I’m more hungry than usual because I am dancing so much.

ANY FAMILY AILMENTS?

My grandmothers had dementia, which was very sad. My dad, who is in his late 50s, has just had a pacemaker fitted.

ANY VICES?

I have a sweet tooth. My boyfriend Oliver loves chocolate, so I’m into it, too. It doesn’t matter which brand, though milk chocolate is my favourite. I also like cookies, little cakes and comfort food such as apple crumble with custard. I don’t smoke, but I do drink, so I may have a couple of glasses of red wine at the weekend when out with friends. I don’t drink during the week.

COPE WELL WITH PAIN?

I have a high pain threshold — I don’t take painkillers often. I’ve a touch of backache, which I think is probably a strain from dance training, but hopefully the physio will sort that out.

'My fitness levels have vastly improved since starting Strictly Come Dancing — I’m dancing up to five hours a day, depending on my schedule,' said Pixie

CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT?

Water and sleep. I drink two litres of water a day to hydrate my voice. I could happily sleep for 12 hours a night but have to cope with less, though I am good at catnapping — I can fall asleep anywhere.

MOST SERIOUS ILLNESS?

I was born seven weeks premature. I had jaundice, but was a healthy baby after that.

WOULD YOU EVER HAVE PLASTIC SURGERY?

No, not at the moment. Perhaps when I am much older I may feel differently, but I don’t feel like I need to.

FAVOURITE HANGOVER CURE?

Drink lots of water. Lucozade seems to help, too. And a sausage sandwich or eggs on toast is good. If I need a shot of caffeine, then a cup of tea in the morning or a gingerbread latte from Starbucks works for me.

BIGGEST PHOBIA?

Spiders. I hate them. I’m not great with heights either, but flying is fine.

LIKE TO LIVE FOR EVER?

Yes, but it would suck if everyone I knew had died, so only if all my friends and family had eternal life, too.

Platinum Pixie is out now. Pixie Lott is the ambassador for beauty brand Magnitone Lucid and has designed a limited-edition pink Magnitone Lucid face brush (£69.99, lookfantastic.com).