Rachel Stevens has opened up about the downside of being in S Club 7, revealing that she ‘got very good at putting on a show and putting a lid on things’, while eventually took its toll.
Stevens, who is currently appearing in Dancing On Ice, was part of one of the biggest pop groups of the 00s, but says being in the public eye wasn’t always easy.
Speaking to the Sun, the 43-year-old said: “You just kind of push it down and get on with it and suck it up. And that does take a bit of a toll.
“I’ve spent a lot of time trying to learn to undo that. It’s something I have to work on every day. I still speak to a therapist. That really helps.”
S Club 7 shot to fame in 1998, selling a whopping 10 million albums - as well as appearing in their CBBC TV show - before going their separate ways in 2003.
In a recent interview with Hello! magazine, Stevens admitted that there are no immediate plans to reform the band, but that she would be keen to get the band back together if the opportunity ever came up.
Talking about a possible reunion, she said: "Not at the moment but I would definitely be open to it if all seven of us were taking part.
"We message each other every now and again. But I haven't seen them for so long!"
Stevens is currently competing in ITV’s Dancing On Ice alongside her pro-skater partner Brendyn Hatfield.
Her inclusion on the show has led to criticism from some who believe her performance background might give her the edge over fellow contestants.
In response to those comments, Stevens explained: "I am not a trained dancer, I've learned on the job.
“Dancing with a partner is so different to the kind of things I did when I was in a band.
“Of course, if you're a performer you've got that experience behind you, but I think everyone's got to just bring themselves to the show. That's what people enjoy watching – the journey."
You can watch Stevens in Dancing On Ice on ITV at 6.30pm on Sundays.
Claire Reid