We caught up with Nicola Roberts and talked about everything from her new single to how she feels about becoming a talent show judge.

Your new single Lucky Day is out soon. Can you tell us about it?

The single has had a life of its own. I wrote it in February 2010, over a year ago. Writing Lucky Day was kind of like an opportunity to be girly and mess around. I remember having the demo for it and being like: “I love this song!” And, I remember, for a long time, thinking this could be my first single! It’s weird that I wrote it over a year ago and it’s managed to be my second single.

Lucky Day and your first single Beat of My Drum have a very different sound. Is versatility something we can expect from your new album, Cinderella’s Eyes?

Yes, it is actually. When you like so many different sounds, it’s hard when you write an album to really narrow it down and just concentrate on one sound. So, everything on the album is like electro and pop, but it varies. But, yes, it was important that Lucky Day came second to Beat of My Drum to show that there is a lot of versatility. And, then, the third single is going to be completely different as well. There’s something on the album for everybody.

Where’s the funniest place you’ve heard one of your songs being played?

I like it when I hear it on EastEnders. Sometimes I hear it playing in the café on the show and I’m like: “Yes!”.

How are you finding being a solo star, coming from a girl band?

It’s very different, obviously. It’s very quiet in here today! Usually there’d be handbags and mess everywhere. It’s just a totally different experience, but I’m enjoying it.

Is it strange going on stage to perform and realising that you’re on your own after performing with Girls Aloud for years?

It was at first, yes. It was a major, major shock to the system. I remember the first thing I did was a gig at Newcastle Arena in front of 10,000 people. I had two days’ rehearsal but bear in mind that I hadn’t been on stage for two years! I was completely thrown into the deep end. I got on stage and it was not that pleasant!

How do you feel now?

I love my band and I love my music and I’m really enjoying myself.

Most of the other girls have tried their hand at going solo – did they give you any advice?

Well we support each other in everything that we do. Everything we’re all doing at the moment is out of all of our comfort zones. The band is what we’re used to because we grew up with it. We have each other, you know? Everything that each girl’s doing on their own at the moment is a challenge. So, whether it be Kimberley doing Shrek The Musical or Sarah doing a movie… we all understand how nerve wracking it might be. It’s all totally different to the band. But, we’re all there, cheering each other on!

Is there going to be a Girls Aloud reunion?

It’s our tenth anniversary next year, so that’s exciting! It’s too early to say what’s planned. It’s a whole year away. Something will happen...

A trend at the moment is solo singers trying their hand at talent judging. Will we ever see Nicola Roberts on a judging panel?

I don’t know! Gosh, if you’d have said to me a few years ago that I’d be here promoting my own record I would never have believed it. I’d never sit here and say: “I’d never do that!” But, you know, for the moment, no, not really. I don’t know if I’d be any good at it! I’d be crying the whole time! The slightest thing sets me off on those shows.

Being in the spotlight obviously comes with both praise and criticism. How do you deal with the criticism?

It just is what it is. People have their own opinion on stuff, don’t they? You just have to know exactly who you are and be true to it. I try not to take it on board.

You’re in a girl band, you’re a solo singer, you’re a fashion icon… the only thing that’s missing is acting. Is that something you’re interested in?

I don’t know if I could do it! I think I might be rubbish at it.

You’ve done a little presenting too! You interviewed Lady Gaga recently – how was that?

I don’t like presenting! Interviewing Lady Gaga was a one off and that was because I couldn’t turn it down! It was so nice to chat to her. She’s really lovely. It’s weird because, when you see someone that famous, you almost forget that they’re a real person. I could see that everything she said to me, she meant. Everything she preaches is good and positive. I really enjoyed meeting her.

Who would you love to work with one day?

If dreams came true I’d love to work with Kanye West. I think he’s quite cool.

Nicola’s single ‘Lucky Day’ is out now and her debut solo album ‘Cinderella’s Eyes’ is out on Monday 26 September.