exclusive sotw interview with sonia ( 2002)

What album are you most proud of? (Scott Wingenbach, USA)
I'm most proud of my 2nd album (sonia) As their were some lovely ballads on there especially 'I'm not gonna play around anymore' which I co wrote!

What music do you listen to these days? (Scott Wingenbach, USA)
I Listen to lots of different music. But my latest cds buys are, Gabrielle,Whitney Huston, Greatest hits by Sting.

I'd love to know if you can remember 'Seconds Out' and playing mother Christmas (1987) at YTS? (Brian Mattocks)
I remember seconds out Very Well! I did play mother Christmas, I remember our really nice dance teacher, but I can't remember her name-----can you?

Was it hard work, working on the turkey farm? (Neil Brown UK)
It was very hard work on that turkey farm, so tiring-that was the only time I had a proper job, I'm so glad that I got a record deal!!!

Is it true you plan to release a greatest hits album with some new tracks? If so when is it due out? (Scott Wingenbach USA, Darren Philips and Ute Brambach GERMANY)
I am planning to release a greatest hits album, at some point in the future and yes there will be new material on it too.

Have you any plans to release any new singles this year? (Lee Taylor YK, Trisah Fairbrother UK and Ute Brambach GERMANY)
I would love to realise a new single this year-who knows? If some great material came my way-who knows?

Any chance you give us any hints about the kind of music you'd like to record in the future?
I'd love to release more pop singles- just more mature and advanced production.

You are a beautiful woman, please don't think this pervy, but would you ever consider doing a playboy shoot? (David)
You can never say never about "PLAYBOY" But if it was classy and sophisticated and beautifully shot- I MIGHT!

As a singer you have always used your first name, was it your decision or PWLs?
It was Pete Watermans decision to just use my first name, so I agreed. Although when I do acting roles, I use Sonia Evans- my maiden names.

What was your worst or funniest experience on stage? (Georoid Farrelly)
There has been many funny moments on stage, including falling off the stage! corpsing in Grease playing Sandy there just so many!

Describe your typical day when you are not working as Sonia? (Mokia)
When I'm not working, I just like doing normal things, shopping, cinema, out for dinner, staying in, and go to the "BLOCKBUSTER VIDEO SHOP"

When did you first become aware that you had a huge gay following? How does it feel to be a gay icon?
I'm flattered about you think I'm a gay Icon.gay people have always been very special to me.They are very loyal, and they just want to enjoy life and be happy.

Would you do the Eurovision song contest again?
I would love to do the Eurovision again, Ireally enjoyed it-You never know, Cliff Richard did it twice and came second twice!

Did you record any other tracks with PWL that did not get released onto your 1st album?
I did not record any other songs with P.W.L- it was completey amazing- the way Pete, Mike and Matt worked.In 2 and a half hours they'd written, verse, chorus and recorded the vocals.They were genius's.

When you toured on the PWL roadshows, did you get on with all the other acts? Who did you get on best with? Anyone that you did not get on with?
On the P.W.L Roadshows I got on with everybody, but especially with Big Fun, The London Boys and Hazel Dean.

When you left PWL, how much more creative control did you have in writing and producing your songs and over your image?
When I left P.W.L, I had complete control in EVERYTHING.

You were so young when you first hit fame, how did you cope with all the media/fans? How prepared were you for it?
It all happend so quickly, I suppose It was my secure family behind me, but Mark of course was always there for me, and he never changed.

Simon Cowell has come over as Mr Nasty in the TV show 'pop idol', how did you find him when you worked with him? was he good to you?
I absolutely adore Simon Cowell, I always have. He was lovely to me. Very kind he's really a big softie- with a heart of gold.

You recorded some tracks in Nashville USA, can you tell us more about them? (Neil Brown UK)
I did record some Tracks in Nashville. I was experimenting really- soaking up the Nashville atmosphere of music, they are really good, but as yet we've no plans to release in the UK.

French and Saunders took you off in their comedy show. What did you think about the sketch? Did you ever speak to Jennifer or Dawn about it afterwards? (Neil Brown UK)
I was quite hurt at first about the French and Saunders sketch, but later I laughed about it. And yes I have seen Dawn French since- but first she hid in the toilets- thinking that I was going to go mad at her-but when she came out of the toilets, we got on really well and had a good laugh together.

You played 'Bunty' in the Lilly Savage TV show. Did you enjoy working with Paul O'Grady? Any plans to work with him again? (Neil Brown UK)
I had such fun playing 'Bunty' I would love to do more stuff with Paul. I love him to bits.

How are you finding life in Heswell Sonia? The reason I ask is because I'm a local reporter for the local rag and we'd love to do an interview with you sometime? (Jamie McLoughlin UK)
Heswell was a lovely place to live- but i have recently moved to Cheshire, I bought a nice new house. I'd love to do an interview for the local rag. Just contact my agent.

You have achieved so much, what ambitions do you have left to fill? (Neil Brown UK)
I have many more ambitions to fill yet. I'd love to do films, more records, acting roles, maybe appear in a soap opera? who knows- the world is my oyster!!

What is your main goal for 2002? (Neil Brown UK)
Stay healthy, HAPPY, enjoy life- and try and achieve all the goals that I've all ready mentioned.

P.S. A BIG thank you to all the fans who sent us your questions for the interview. We have tried to make sure that everyone's questions were answered.