But at 54, the Hackney-born singer says: “I’m probably enjoying my time more now than I ever did. I think as I’m older I’m more appreciative. I don’t have the same stresses and worries about my kids, thinking oh my God, where are they? My mum was always looking after them . “I think you have to let go, it is what it is. I love putting out new music, and I love the opportunity for people to hear new music from me, so I’m just going with the flow.
“This is how I’ve always written, and just allowed me to be myself without imposing and in between we have a lot of laughs, so I feel I’m in my element when I’m working with him because it doesn’t feel like work. If you were to walk past the studio there’s too much fun going on in there, but there’s no such thing as too much fun. It’s incredible.” Gabrielle feels the album represents “me as I’ve matured”, adding: “I’ve always written about my life but at this stage, it’s just who I am.