Jess Glynne hated school because she was a victim of bullying.

She recalled: "I was a bit mouthy - I am a typical fiery redhead. People teased me because of my hair. I couldn't wait to leave."

After finishing her education, Jess took an entry-level job at a music management company, which she thinks has been hugely beneficial to her career.

Jess said: "[It was] the best thing I ever did, as now I understand things like contracts and PR."

Singing is all Jess has ever wanted to do, even though she doesn't necessarily enjoy being famous.

She told the Mail on Sunday newspaper: "When I was young, I would listen to Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston, rewrite their songs with my own lyrics, record myself performing them and play them back."

And despite the success of her debut album, 'I Laugh When I Cry', Jess still struggles to comprehend her own accomplishments.

She said: "I was in Heathrow Airport last week and, walking past Dixons, I heard one of my songs blaring out. It still feels surreal."