I dreamed a dream. And it’s having a carry-on with Lewis
living the quiet life in West Lothian, caring for ageing mum Bridget who passed away in 2007. Susan, the youngest of nine, has found it hard to cope with the fame but said she is now much more content with being in the public eye.
The singer, whose dad Patrick died in 1997, said: “To be honest, it was extremely difficult in the beginning. I had a very sheltered and quiet life. So it was overwhelming at times and as much as I felt I was finally accepted I couldn’t get used to that amount of attention, it was just crazy. Now I am much more at ease with my fame and I enjoy being recognised. I enjoy chatting with fans and some have even become friends.
“I tend to be recognised anywhere I go, most recently I was with my manager at a car wash and the young lads jumped in surprise when they saw me in the car.
“I’ve done some incredible things since that BGT moment but the best experience would have to be meeting his Holiness Pope Francis and singing at the Vatican for a Christmas Concert. It was an incredible experience that will live with me forever. It was truly an honour.
“I always dreamed of being a singer and used to sing into my hairbrush, I dreamed of standing in front of a large audience one day. How lucky I have been. I think my mum and dad would be so proud of me, and overjoyed by my achievements. Sharing my singing with the world was my mum’s dream for me.”
Susan’s last concert tour wrapped in 2020 and, while appearing on the BGT final last year, she revealed she had suffered a minor stroke in April 2022 but also said she has no plans to retire.
She said: “I do still sing every day. I sing in the shower, I sing when I’m doing the dishes and I look forward to singing professionally again in the near future.
“If there was a demand for a tour, I’d really love to get back on the road. I would like to go out with a bang before I consider retiring.”
Susan, who has not managed to catch any of this year’s BGT episodes, said she has lots of exciting projects in the pipeline.
Whether these will include a Netflix series based on her life still remains to be seen, despite it being mooted for years.
Susan, who performed at Windsor Castle for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Pageant in 2012, said: “There are some very exciting projects that I am currently working on however, you will need to watch this space.”
For now she is happy spending time with her friends and going shopping.
She said: “A daily routine for me is much like anyone else. I love to start my day with a cup of tea and see what I need to get done. I enjoy getting out and I’m terrible for hitting the shops! I love seeing friends.
“The most important people in my life are my family.
“I also have a close relationship with my manager Geraldine.
“I have my housekeeper Debbie and vocal coach Chris who are all great at keeping me grounded and on my toes. Not to forget my dear friends Annette and Gatha.”
Susan is looking forward to the Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards with TSB next Monday and meeting up with host Elaine C Smith, who played her in a musical.
The awards, in their fifth year, celebrate the nation’s unsung heroes.
Susan, who would love to perform in a big musical theatre show, said: “This is an incredible evening celebrating extraordinary people who deserve special recognition.”
Lewis is a sweethe art and so down to earth which
I absolute ly love