SINGER Anastacia plans to get her Scottish fans behind her during her latest tour thanks to some slang taught to her by LULU.
The Strictly Come Dancing star revealed how she feels like a Scot because the legendary Glasgow songtress is like family.
PA:Press Association
Anastacia, 48, is heading north of the border after gaining new fans during her stint on the BBC dancing competition.
She said: "I feel Scottish because Lulu is practically family to me.
"We are really close and I am visiting her just before I kick off the UK length.
"She's in London now but Glasgow was her town so she's a Weegie, or whatever you call it.
"When she starts talking I pick up a bit of the Scottish slang — but I always forget so before I go onstage in Scotland, so I ask some of the security or the catering staff to give me some slang so I don't sound like a jerk.
"It's an honour to be in your territory so I want to show kudos."
Despite lasting six weeks on Strictly, Anastacia admits she won't be introducing any new dance moves to her show.
The I'm Outta Love chart-topper, who has sold millions of albums worldwide, was partnered with Brendan Cole on the show
She joked: "I am definitely doing my 12 waltzes — I thought that would go really well with 'Left Outside Alone'.
"No, I wish I could have more dancing but I would have to have Brendan with me.
"He was the reason I even looked like I was dancing well."
Despite being kicked out of the show halfway through the competition, Anastacia says it helped her overcome emotional scars left after she had a mastectomy following her second battle with breast cancer.
The stunning singer was first diagnosed with the disease when she was 34 but it returned again ten years later in February 2013.
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She decided to have her breasts removed and reconstructed and hasn't looked back since.
The American star said: "I took a year or two off because of the second breast cancer diagnosis.
"There have been a few pauses in my career because of health.
"But I really feel I got a lot of body confidence back thanks to Strictly after my mastectomy and reconstruction.
"Moving my body in certain ways and getting in touch with my muscles in the upper part of my body again.
"I think being on the show has meant that the old Anastacia moves are back in the mix on stage."
But Anastacia insists there won't be any crazy stage antics because she has to hit the high notes.
She said: "I am not going to start JLO-ing my butt off.
"The way I sing can't do these crazy dance moves and reach the notes — that's why Adele stands at the mic and sings, we can't kick our legs up.
"I have my little moments — I am a bit more Tina Turner than Adele but I am not Beyoncé."
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Bubbly Anastacia became a worldwide sensation back in 2000 when her I'm Outta Love track went to number one in several countries across the globe.
Anastacia performs I'm Outta Love on Strictly Come DancingThe petite blonde with the huge voice went on to tour internationally and admits life on the road is a lot different compared to the early days.
Queen of the ballad Anastacia releases video for Take This ChanceThe struggle to maintain relationships and friendships has eased thanks to rise of social media.
Anastacia opens up about her relationship with Strictly's Brendan ColeAnastacia said: "The good thing about the internet now is that you can FaceTime, or go on Facebook.
"It's quite different from when I first started touring."
The star confesses she doesn't feel as homesick any more — especially with her sister Shawn by her side. Her big sis started out as Anastacia's masseuse but is now her personal assistant, who the singer credits with keeping her on track.
She said: "My sister started on tour with me as my personal trainer and massage therapist because that's what she did.
"But then, slowly but surely, realised that there were a lot of people not really looking out for my best interests.
"And she turned into my personal assistant — she does everything and is absolutely amazing." She added: "You don't feel as guilty with not going home any more. I used to go home every three months but now it's maybe two weeks in total. There's no reason to go back — and if family want to come see me, I'll fly them over."
Anastacia is bringing her Ultimate Collection tour to Glasgow and Edinburgh and thinks cheery Scots fans make up for the miserable weather.
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She said: "Your personalities are all so sunny that you don't need the actual sun. I find the Scottish people to be so fun and happy that I am really excited for my shows in Scotland. You guys are good for a laugh and a good time — I just have to bring my A-Game."
But the performer is so dedicated to giving her fans their money's worth that she'll sacrifice sight-seeing during down time.
Anastacia and Gorka dance the Quickstep on Strictly Come DancingShe said: "I don't get to visit Scotland very often. Getting to sight-see is all down to the weather and how long I get there.
"The band sometimes has way more excursions than I do so I have to live vicariously through them. I like to make sure I hit every note that the audience expects — I want to give every single ounce of energy.
"So I try not to do too much in between because it can take away from my stage performance. I refuse to have people pay a ticket and give half a show — it's just not me, I'm old school."
Anastacia dancing on Strictly for millions of viewersBut Anastacia thinks she might be getting too old to keep up with her hectic schedule. She revealed how she is touring and recording an album at the same time — a career first.
Anastacia saying she's still good friends with TamekaThe singer said: "I am not quite sure of my schedule yet – all I know is I start in March and end up somewhere in August. I've started writing the new album — mostly in Sweden — and then heading from there to start the tour in Germany.
"It's going to be very busy and it's going to be a first for me to be in performance mode and album mode. I've been telling my manager 'I'm almost 50 you know?' — it's crazy.
While she hasn't hit the big 5-0 yet Anastacia has huge plans for her momentous golden birthday.
Len loves Strictly pair Anastacia and Brendan's Cha Cha dance to 'Lady Marmalade'She said: "Be prepared, I am going to have a very fun 50th birthday. I don't know what I'll do but the world is going to know about it."
Anastacia tours the UK this May and June. For more information go to livenation.co.uk/artist/anastacia-tickets
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