This content is copyright of CelebMix.com. Denise van Outen has never been one to stand still. From dazzling audiences in musicals Chicago, Tell Me On A Sunday, and Some Girl I Used To Know, to lighting up television screens and radio airwaves, she's built a career on reinvention - always delivering with her signature sparkle, and self-assured charm. Now, she's stepping into a new spotlight with the release of her debut album, 'A Bit of Me' - a heartfelt collection that brings her love of storytelling, nostalgia, and authenticity to the forefront. Denise van Outen - A Bit of Me Blending exemplary vocals with a touch of theatrical flair, the emotionally charged record serves as an extension of the Legally Blonde stars 2022 autobiography of the same name, and reflects the highs, lows, and life lessons that have shaped her both on and off the stage. It's personal, playful, and unmistakably Denise: equal parts glamour and grit, confidence and vulnerability. As we sit down with Denise, she opens up about rediscovering her voice, finding joy in the creative process, and why this album truly captures - as the title promises - a bit of who she really is. Denise, 'A Bit of Me' is out TODAY! How does it feel to be finally releasing your debut album? Do you know what, I'm actually feeling really excited! You'd think I'd be a bag of nerves considering this is something I've never really done before, but I'm actually not, I'm just happy that it's out and I can't wait for everyone to hear it. Obviously I've released musical theatre soundtracks and some standalone singles in the past, so I have gone through the whole promo / release week cycle before and (therefore) know what to expect, but I've never put out an album that's just me being me, so I suppose that feels a little nerve-wracking. I'm confident that my audience will know the majority of the songs on the record though, so maybe that takes the pressure off a little bit... I don't know, I'm not overthinking it (laughs). I'm just really proud of what I've created, and I'm enjoying the moment. You've enjoyed great success in just about every sector of the entertainment industry, but music seems to be the thing that always draws you back. Deep down, was making an album something you always knew you'd do one day? Yeah, I think so. A part of me wishes I'd experimented and recorded more music when I was younger, but at the time when those kinds of offers were presented to me, it never felt right to accept them. Why? Mainly because I didn't ever really want to be a popstar (laughs). Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love pop music, but I always felt... well, actually I knew, that my voice was better suited to more classical styles of music, rather than pop or dance. But I don't think anybody was quite ready to accept me in that world back then; I was the fun, bubbly girl on the TV, and people didn't see me as being anything other than that - which is fine, I get it. There was also a period in the 90s when it seemed like everyone on TV was bringing out a record, and I didn't want to be seen as jumping on the bandwagon or copying what my peers were doing. It felt a bit predictable, and expected, and back then I didn't like that, I wanted to go against the grain a little and not play it safe. Was there a specific moment or experience that made you want to make this record now? Do you know what's interesting? So I did the very first series of The Masked Singer and - I'm not sure if anybody knows this - but behind the scenes, the contestants taking part in the show are put into two categories, singers, and non-singers, and I was put in the non-singers category. I remember sort of smiling to myself about it, thinking, that's weird because I've done shows in the West End and on Broadway, I've released singles, I've done duets with people like Andy Williams and Russell Watson, and I've worked with Andrew Lloyd Webber on a one woman show that was ALL singing... but I'm still not seen as a singer by some people. So maybe doing this album now is my way of showing people what I can do (laughs). No I'm joking, I'm not doing this to prove anything to anyone. I'm not expecting to sell a million records, or score a major chart position - I mean, that would be nice, but I look at this project as more of a continuation of my book, and a way to launch the tour I'm doing next year. Before going into the studio, did you have an idea or a set vision for the style of music you wanted to make? Because my training and background is musical theatre, I knew I wanted the music to have a theatrical feel to it. I've always been into my ballads, and songs that lyrically have some sort of emotional, melancholy attachment to them, and I love taking classic pops songs, stripping them back and turning them into something completely different. So let's talk about 'The Harder I Try', which a real 80's classic by Brother Beyond. The original is really upbeat, melodic and happy sounding, but when you listen to the ly