She looks like a Vogue model moonlighting as a pop star. But does Sophie Ellis Bextor's success hang on more than her cheekbones?

ON STAGE, Sophie Ellis Bextor radiates the kind of icy aloofness normally reserved for catwalk models.

In real life, though, the chart-topper with the most dangerous-looking cheekbones in pop is approachability itself. In fact, she considers herself a little too approachable.

"I'm a little bit too patient really," admits Sophie, for whom a quick trip to the offy is in danger of turning into an Baftas-style walkabout.

"I'm nice to my fans, but I think I'm going to have to get a bit harder."

Until a couple of summers ago, it wouldn't have been a problem. Then, as frontwoman of indie darlings theaudience, she had all the respect she could wish for, but without the suffocating attention that comes with being an A-list star.

Then came Spiller and Groovejet (If This Ain't Love) - the summer hit of 2000. With its insistent beat, shiny production values and infuriatingly catchy refrain of "why does it feel sow...why does it feel sow goood", it was an instant hit, spending 19 weeks in the charts and introducing the world to the oddly angular charms of its immaculately presented singer and co-writer.

Last year, Sophie launched her campaign for solo stardom with her debut album, Read My Lips. So far, it has spawned two killer singles, Take Me Home and Murder on the Dancefloor, with a third, Move This Mountain/Get Over You, planned for June.

So at what point did Sophie plan to become a pop star?

"I never decided to be a pop star. I decided to become a singer with theaudience when I was 16," corrects Sophie, who, with her huskily sensual voice, sounds like a Mariella Frostrup in the making.

In an age where fame-obsession is actively encouraged, she is acutely aware how over-exposure can turn you into yesterday's news quicker than you can say "Helen Adams".

"There's definitely a threshold where you know enough about someone," she says.

"I still think it's exciting when you don't know someone very well. That's what I love about the papers trying to figure me out."

She's happy to talk about her mum, ex-Blue Peter presenter Janet Ellis - "Why wouldn't I? I love my mum," she says - but draws a discreet veil over the rest.

"I don't feel very comfortable talking about my private life, really. The thing is with my job, it's something I do but nobody else in my family or friends does. It would be a bit rude to talk about them."

So what do you do for fun?

"I like decorating my home, a maisonette in north-west London. I like reading and eating and seeing my friends. I'm reading Marianne Faithfull's autobiography at the moment."

Any good tips?

"Not really. Her top tip is to sleep with everybody."

Fans will be relieved to hear that Sophie's on-stage elegance is no sham. Although she dispenses with the make-up at home, there's no slopping about in baggy tracksuit bottoms for the sophisticated songstress.

"I don't have a stylist, so the stuff I wear on stage is what's hanging in my wardrobe," she explains.

And she's no designer freak, either, declaring: "Most of my clothes come from Top Shop and markets."

Despite the fame, Sophie seems to be making a conscious effort not to act the big pop star. Her UK tour reflects this intention.

"It's just me doing live music. There won't be any dancers, and don't expect any costume changes. I don't understand the idea of doing a tour any other way.

"I love performing live. You take the chemistry of the crowd and mould your performance around it.

"It also gives you the chance to really throw your voice around. I don't spend very much time singing, so I'm really looking forward to it."

Just one question remains about Sophie. Why the lack of oomph in her "dance" routines?

"I like to do whatever feels natural," says Sophie of her energy efficient style.

"I prefer to concentrate on my singing and save the wild dancing for the nightclubs."

ANDREW WHITE

Sophie Ellis Bextor is at The Anvil, Basingstoke on Monday.