Kym Marsh

Kym with fiancé Jack Ryder

The road to stardom hasn't been an easy one for Kym Marsh

Three years ago, she was a single mother, living off benefits in Wigan.

Then, out of the blue, came her big break: a place on the ITV reality show Popstars.

As one of the winners, Kym joined the show's band, Hear'Say - and a string of hits followed.

But - when Hear'Say split last Autumn, she faced the prospect of making surviving on her own merits, in the tough world of showbiz.

Kym told Dermot and Sian how she's been enjoying life as a solo artist.

Kym's single Cry reached number 2 in the charts.

She says that she's enjoying life without the band, particularly as it gives her more freedom - both artistically and with her time.

That's important when she's trying to juggle looking after the children with her career.

Now that I'm solo I've got so much more control Kym Marsh

Kym of course, was on the first series of Popstars programme - she describes herself and other contestants as "guinea pigs".

Kym says that she's glad that she came up through the system, as fans feel that they know her and its makes her more approachable to them.

Don't go for fame...the fame is not real and I could live without that" Kym Marsh

But she warned that for those going for shows today, they should be clear about their reasons for going on the programme - the notoriety that comes with being on such a show is not what she enjoys.

But for the moment, Kym is very happy - playing live to her fans.

Kym Marsh's solo album, Standing Tall is released today.