Katherine Jenkins says paper said it would ‘trash her’ in early career

Katherine Jenkins has reflected on the “crazy” questions she was asked by the press as a young classical singer.

The mezzo-soprano, who has had 14 number one albums, is about to start a tour marking 25 years as one of the world’s most successful classical singers.

Jenkins, 46, from Neath, said she had “found her own voice” and learnt to take control of her career over the years, adding that she was often staggered by the things journalists would say to her.

“I would often get asked ‘who’s looking after your children?’ That’s crazy. You wouldn’t get tenors asked that question,” she told BBC Radio Wales.

She recalled being at the Classical Brit Awards early in her career and being told by one journalist that their newspaper loved her, but would have to “trash her” sooner or later.

“There were loads of fake stories I read about myself ordering crazy meals and bonkers demands, and you just think, ‘wow, I’d never say that’. But it’s something you learn to navigate,” she added.