BBC News Online: UK: Wales

Catatonia star talks of breakdown

The star, whose hits include Road Rage and Mulder And Scully, axed the shows at the tail end of last year, and promotions in the United States were cancelled this year.

It was in October 1999, that the band announced that they had scrapped tour plans, admitting that they were "worn out" by their rise to fame.

A statement put out by the band at the time read: "The simple truth is that after 22 months of whirlwind success we need a break and as a band have not been able to put together a new show we would be proud of.

Now, the Neath-born singer has told New Musical Express: "I had a bit of a breakdown and I had to stop - I think possibly through overwork.

"I'd never thought beyond being a singer in the band and then suddenly, um, things get a bit beyond, you know."

She suggested that the band's chart success after years of plugging away were partly responsible.

But she added: "I've never denied that I work hard and I play hard."

Ms Matthews, 31, who duetted with Tom Jones on the 1999 hit Baby, It's Cold Outside, said: "I'm grateful to the boys in my band for being patient with me and letting me go and wander around for a while."

"Things are back on course now. We've got fresh music and attitudes and it's like starting again."