Returning to the stage in a figure-hugging sparkly dress and delivering a headline performance merely two months after undergoing a Caesarean section is an achievement few would contemplate. For acclaimed singer and actress Pixie Lott, however, this remarkable feat underscores her status as one of showbusiness's most dedicated professionals. Drawing inspiration from fellow mother-of-five Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Lott has masterfully demonstrated how to harmonise a vibrant pop career with the demands of parenting.
The Family Affair Backstage
Lott's pivotal strategy involves transforming her professional engagements into a family-centric endeavour, with her parents, Beverley and Stephen, accompanying her to every performance. This arrangement effectively alleviates any maternal guilt, allowing her to focus on her craft. "I don't have any help other than my mum and dad," discloses the 35-year-old artist, who shares two sons—Bertie, aged two, and a six-month-old boy whose name remains private—with her husband, Oliver Cheshire, whom she met at 19.
"My parents come with me to everything, and there's no way I'd be able to do it if they weren't there. Nobody sees how chaotic it is backstage," Lott elaborates. She vividly describes scenes where Bertie dashes about spilling sweets, a "poonami" necessitates washing a babygrow in the sink, all while she prepares by warming up, undergoing makeup, and breastfeeding—culminating in her taking the stage as her family watches from the wings.
Creating Lasting Memories
"But it's memory-making and inspiring for the kids to meet so many different people—whether they pursue music or not," Lott reflects. Her parents' steadfast presence is also credited with guiding her through the pitfalls of early fame, ensuring she remained grounded. Raised in London and Essex alongside her older siblings, Lott attended Italia Conti and graced the West End stage as a teenager before launching her singing career at 18.
Her debut album, Turn It Up (2009), soared to No. 6 on the UK Albums Chart, spawning two No. 1 singles: "Mama Do" and "Boys And Girls." "I started so young that having my family around me was important," she admits. "I was protected from all that comes with fame. It would have been really hard to navigate otherwise."
A Flourishing Career Amidst Peers' Struggles
While contemporaries from X Factor, such as James Arthur and certain One Direction members, have faced challenges, Lott has consistently thrived. Her repertoire boasts four studio albums, a 2014 stint on Strictly Come Dancing, a 2016 West End role as Holly Golightly, coaching on ITV's The Voice Kids, and a recent film appearance in Christmas Karma. Additionally, she founded The Pixie Lott Performing Arts Academy in Chelmsford, managed by her mother.
Venturing into Darker Roles
In her latest project, the thriller Past Life, Lott portrays Claira, the pregnant wife of a traumatised war reporter played by Aneurin Barnard. Interestingly, Lott was pregnant during filming, a fact known only to Barnard. "I was having morning sickness, so it was strange to be playing a pregnant person with a fake bump while actually having one underneath," she shares. "Not feeling well hopefully added to the performance."
She describes the film, also starring Jeremy Piven and Tim McInnerny, as darker than her previous work, a direction she is eager to explore further. "It's different to bouncing around on stage," Lott notes. "I'd like to do more as it's not what people expect. The script of Past Life was a real page-turner, and I'm always drawn to strong women."
Enduring Connections and Future Aspirations
Lott's resilience was evident on Strictly, where she topped the leaderboard four times before a dance-off elimination. She maintains contact with her dance partner, Trent Whiddon, and his wife, Gordana Grandosek, who performed at her 2022 wedding. She also participates in a WhatsApp group with female contestants and fondly remembers the late Caroline Flack, winner of that series. "I loved Caroline," Lott says. "We were really good friends. I still hear her laugh."
Having toured with Rihanna and collaborated with icons like Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, and John Legend, Lott expresses gratitude for these experiences. Fellow Voice Kids coach Jessie J has also been a supportive figure, offering parenting advice after her own childbirth.
Expanding the Family and Career
Inspired by Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Lott and her husband, Olly, who reside in Essex near her family, are open to expanding their brood. "I'd love to," she smiles. "I know it all feels crazy now. Why not just make it even crazier? Sophie's inspirational; she's got five kids and is killing it."
Looking ahead, Lott plans to focus on releasing music written before her second child's birth and anticipates a summer of festivals, a favourite of Bertie's. "We've just got to hide the sweets!" she quips. Past Life becomes available on digital platforms from Monday, including Amazon, Apple TV, iTunes, Sky Store, Rakuten, and Google.
