A SINGING sensation famously known for turning down Simon Cowell’s marriage proposal is returning to the charts after a break from the limelight.

Worsley blonde Sarah Whatmore, first appeared on TV screens as a Pop Idol entrant in 2001.

Although she failed to make it through to the show’s final 10, the ex-St George’s RC High School pupil from Roe Green was offered a management and recording deal with the company 19, owned by Cowell’s then business partner Simon Fuller.

After successfully releasing two top-20 hits in 2002, the 26 year-old took a ‘journey of self-discovery’, staying out of the limelight for six years.

But last Friday, Sarah made her first live 2008 performance at the Blackpool Illuminations switch-on and is hoping it will be the first of many gigs to come.

Simon Fuller has stood by the former Pop Idol contestant, and the fruits of her labour will be released with a new single, ‘Smile’ and new album ‘Time To Think’, later this month

Sarah said: "Simon’s been amazing, a great friend.

"I ended up travelling the world, writing and developing as a writer and an artist."

Sarah admits it was only after ‘the money ran out’ and she got her heart broken by her former boyfriend that she got the album finished.

Sarah, who is now single, says: "I was in a quite destructive relationship. It was not good for my emotions, but it was good for my writing.

"The album has a very sophisticated sound, it’s grown-up and philosophical."

She’s also philosophical about her time on Pop Idol.

She said: "People still ask me whether I wish I’d married Simon Cowell.

"But looking back now, Simon’s a very clever businessman, and I think he said all that about marrying me so that people would remember me.

"I don’t regret it, because it’s part of my story, but if someone asked me to go on The X Factor now, I’d say absolutely no.

"I feel for people who go on it.

"It’s great entertainment but it’s such a quick turnaround.

"You’re an overnight success almost, but you’re stamped with that for the rest of your career."

Sarah Whatmore’s single ‘Smile’ is released on September 22.

Her album ‘Time To Think’ will be released early next year.

For more information go to: www.myspace.com/sarahwhatmore.

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