The 5-Minute Interview: Simon Webbe, Musician

'I was surprised to get a record deal. I was never a talented singer'

Simon Webbe, 27, formerly of the boy band Blue, has a single, 'My Soul Pleads For You', released 5 February. The album 'Grace' is out now

If I weren't talking to you right now I'd be...

Shopping. I'm stopping for a pit stop at a fish shop for scallops.

A phrase I use far too often is...

No worries.

I wish people would take more notice of...

This whole environment thing is scaring me a little bit. We still ignore it. We need to remember we're not indispensable to nature. Apparently half of London will be under water.

The most surprising thing that ever happened to me was...

Getting a record deal. I was never the most talented singer or person in that area. Only when I put my mind to it can I produce what I hear now.

A common misperception of me is...

That I was going to go down the R&B and hip- hop route. Also a lot of people think I'm arrogant, but I'm quite shy. Being a shy person I'm absolutely terrified about stepping on stage and have to put on a front.

I'm not a politician but...

I'd say that from the age of 12 kids have to do work experience at least one day a month to give them an insight into what real life is about. I don't think it's fair to ask someone what they want to do at the age of 14. And another language should be compulsory.

I'm good at...

Cooking Caribbean food.

But I'm very bad at...

Drawing.

The ideal night out is...

A nice restaurant or bar, continue in a night club and after, the after party, surrounded by friends.

You know me as a musician, but in a truer life I'd have been...

In the entertainment business doing something else. When I put my mind to something I get it done. I don't take no for an answer.

The best age to be is...

17. There's only one year to go before you become an adult and get away with as much as possible.

In a nutshell, my philosophy is this:

Don't worry, be happy.

Elisa Bray