Katherine Jenkins is a Welsh mezzo-soprano whose broad repertoire (and good looks) have given her popular appeal. She first came to public attention when she sang at Westminster Cathedral in a service commemorating Pope John Paul II’s silver jubilee in 2003 and later, when supporting Aled Jones on tour.

Six of her albums have reached number one in the classical charts and she is the first female artist to win two consecutive Classical Brit Awards. A new album is due for release later this year.

Jenkins will perform at Victoria Park, Haywards Heath, tonight in its biggest ever concert. She will be accompanied by the National Symphony Orchestra. For tickets, call 01444 800045.

You’re a mentor on ITV’s Popstar To Opera Star again – how would you describe that experience?

I love it! I was a teacher before I got my record deal and I always said I’d like to do more of it. I feel lucky to have studied with some amazing teachers and it’s nice to be able to pass that information on. It’s great seeing the students progress and I take a lot from that.

What do you think is the most common mistake people make when learning to sing opera?

I think that mostly pop stars struggle to stop singing with their pop voices and always use the covered, focused sound that opera requires. I think singing in multiple languages also gets them!

Which pop star would you love to see on the show?

Adele. I think she has an incredible voice. Her voice already has so much passion – it would be interesting to see how that translates to opera.

You’re becoming a fixture on the Sussex summer calendar now – what can we expect from this show?

Yes I know, I love coming to Sussex! I will be singing all the most requested songs from my albums – things like opera arias, folk songs, film soundtrack music, musical theatre and classical versions of pop songs. I will also be giving the audience a sneak preview of a few songs from my new album which will be out later in the year. As in all my concerts, there will be lots of banter and, of course, frock changes!

Which film star/ musician/artist/writer do you admire?

My favourite actor is Tom Hanks – he has played so many great parts.

Which TV programme couldn’t you live without?

At the moment, I’m addicted to Mad Men. I love the fashions of the period.

Do you remember the first record you bought? What was it and where did you buy it?

It was Madonna’s Material Girl, as I was obsessed with the Marilyn Monroe-inspired video.

Tell us about any guilty pleasures lurking in your CD or film collections…

Probably Kylie and Jason dating back to my childhood when I was obsessed with Neighbours!

Do you have a favourite film?

Forrest Gump. I’ve seen it at least 20 times and now cry as soon as it starts.

What about a favourite book?

Mark Haddon’s The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night Time. It’s so unique in the way it is written so I couldn’t put it down. It’s very heartwarming.

Is there a song or individual piece of music you always come back to?

Living away from Wales and being away from my family so much, I find I am always moved when I hear the Welsh National Anthem. It’s just a great song and it makes me cry.

What are you reading at the moment?

I am about to start Dawn French’s new book, A Tiny Bit Marvellous.

Tell me about a live music/theatre/cinema experience that sticks in your memory...

I have literally just come home from seeing my fellow Popstar To Opera Star critic Simon Callow in his one-man play Being Shakespeare – he was wonderful. I have no idea how he remembers all of that!

Is there a book/record/ film/play/ person that made you want to do what you do now?

I was inspired by a lot of the big divas: Edith Piaf, Maria Callas, Marilyn Monroe, Doris Day, Judy Garland.