Leona Lewis: `I owe my success to my mum`

The 26-year-old former X Factor winner said that without the help and support of mum Maria, she doesn't think she would have accomplished half as much as she has.

'My mum Maria has always encouraged me to follow my dreams and do whatever I want to do,' she told The Sun.

'I don't think I would have been able to get where I am today without all her support. I know I'm biased but she's amazing. When I was younger she always told me I could do anything and I should reach for the moon.

'I know some parents wouldn't have been as supportive if their daughter said she wanted to sing but they saw how much I wanted to do it and worked hard so I could go to theatre school. I'll always remember that.'

She continued, 'When I'm home I am always round her house so she can cook my dinner for me. She cooks the best vegetarian meals.

'We still do normal things and go shopping in Hackney, down at Broadway Market. They keep me very grounded.'