Singing star Katherine Jenkins insists: 'I'm no diva'

SINGER Katherine Jenkins has hit back at claims she makes diva-style demands at concerts.

The 29-year-old was reported to have made a series of outrageous requests for warm Diet Cokes, three different types of towels and six vegetarian meals at 30-minute intervals.

But speaking to this month's Swansea Life magazine, Katherine rubbished the claims.

She said: "I do not ask for Diet Coke at three different temperatures, because let's face it, who wants it warm?

"The truth is I ask for some cold Diet Cokes, room temperature water — purely because when water is ice cold you can't sing because it affects your throat, clean towels — I don't want dirty ones, soap so I can wash my hands, a mirror, a plug point so I can do my hair, and tea making facilities so I can make tea for people.

"And usually they'll ask if I want a meal and I'll ask for a vegetarian one. It's not six at half-hour intervals — do I look like I eat six meals? It's insanity. I know what other people ask for in their dressing rooms and I'm really low maintenance because I don't ask for Cristal champagne and Kabbalah water. I'm quite simple."

Mezzo soprano Katherine — who released her seventh album this month — also told the magazine that the economic downturn had affected her life, despite reports claiming she is worth £9 million.

She said: "The recession has had a massive effect on my life. I've got friends who've lost their jobs and are really stressed, and I find myself worrying about them and what's going to come next for them.

"But also, when you're hearing all this stuff about the economy, it naturally makes you more careful.

"Things are very uncertain at the moment, so I'm aware of it every day like everyone else.

"I still think I'm quite sensible with money from my upbringing with my mum and dad, even when I am doing well financially. They talked a lot about saving.

"When they got a new washing machine, it was saved for. They didn't have credit cards and stuff like that. So I've still got that voice in my head from my mum when it comes to money."

Katherine's interview has seen her hit Swansea Life's December cover for its Christmas issue.

In the in-depth interview about her life in the spotlight, she also tells all about her favourite places in Swansea and the time she was star struck meeting Kylie Minogue.

The new issue of Swansea Life is in the shops now.