If you're an up-and-coming star, and you want to do well, then a show like 'The X Factor' is really important.

The most influential person in my life had been George Michael. He was very important to me and was one of my musical heroes growing up. Then he became a friend and mentor and someone I'd lean on.

As a working-class boy, golf was never really on my radar, and when I was growing up, Irish football was my sporting passion.

You're just one of the guys who fills a suit, and that's what's drilled into you by the record company and the management - 'You're lucky to have it. Now shut your mouth.' I get where that comes from, but it takes time to shake it off.

I didn't even know how to speak Hindi or act. I didn't think about fame and money. I didn't talk about money with the producers, as I was a minor. My parents handled that part. But I am from a family where money was never an issue.

I started at 5 years old in the kitchen table with my family supporting me. I know where I'm from and I know exactly where I'm going.

Children are free moral agents and have a right to be exposed to a range of beliefs well beyond the rigid doctrinal confines of their parent's faith, and we have an obligation to insist that they be so exposed, at least in public schools, if not elsewhere.

It was my family that wanted me to be a teacher. That was safe, you see. To be a painter was terrible.