Ex-All Saint goes solo

All Saints: Natalie and Nicole Appleton, Melanie Blatt and Shaznay Lewis

Melanie Blatt has said she is to attempt a solo career to earn some much needed cash.

She was expected to collaborate with former bandmate Shaznay Lewis after the group dissolved in February 2001.

Instead Blatt will be working separately from all her one-time colleagues.

"Shaznay is doing her own thing," Blatt said. "I wanted to retire but I couldn't afford to. I've unfortunately got to go back to earn some money."

'On ice'

The group was put "on ice" after a series of rows. The band split into two separate factions - Blatt stuck by main songwriter Lewis as the Appleton sisters banded together.

Natalie Appleton is recording an album with sister Nicole

The Appleton sisters have now signed their own deal. They have already recorded two new tracks for their forthcoming album, with the help of Dave Stewart.

Lewis is believed to be working on new material with Robbie Williams' songwriter Guy Chambers for a forthcoming solo album.

Honest

Blatt said: "At the moment I'm just at home and I'm enjoying being at home. I've been in the garden, taking my kid to school and doing the washing up."

The singer talked about her weariness of the constant promotional tours and interviews in the music business.

"I love music, I just don't like the lifestyle that goes with it." But she added: "I'm going to have to go back to the grind."

Blatt is now working with partner Stuart Zender, formerly of Jamiroquai. They live together with three year old daughter Lilyella.

Will she be doing any more acting work? "Hell, no," she replied. Her first screen appearance was in Honest, one of the biggest flops at the 2000 cinema box office.