As she puts the finishing touches to her new album, Familia, Sophie Ellis-Bextor has taken time out to model some stunning vintage clothing in the run-up to Royal Ascot, the biggest racing event of the summer.
The singer-songwriter tells HELLO! she loves to have a flutter at the races. "But I always limit myself to a certain spend," she says. "I've gone with friends who have gone crazy. It gives me butterflies just thinking about how much money they've lost."
Sophie Ellis-Bextor has spoken out about motherhood
Mum of four Sophie says it was a treat to work on the throwback shoot to celebrate the 50th birthday of official Ascot soft drink Appletiser. "I love my vintage fashion so I thought it was a really cool idea to go through the decades. I enjoy my wardrobe. I'm not one of those people who say, 'I'll save that special outfit up for a rainy day.' I am always finding weird and wonderful things on eBay too and then wearing them on the school run. "The 37-year-old, who gave birth to fourth son Jesse last November, says his big brothers Sonny, 12, Kit, seven, and Rex, four, are unfazed by her fashion choices. "I came home from shooting my new album cover and I had really bright make-up on and my hair all done up and they literally didn't bat an eyelid," she laughs.
She plans to tour later in the year and her husband, The Feeling guitarist Richard Jones, will be in her band. "I will figure out the family logistics nearer the time," she laughs.
But first she is looking forward to a holiday on Italy's Amalfi Coast with her mum, former Blue Peter star Janet Ellis. "My mum turned 60 last year and we are taking her away for her present. My sister and brother are joining us too and my stepfather," she says. "There will be lots of swimming, playing on the beach and building sandcastles. "Asked if her family is complete, Sophie smiles. "Probably. At the moment I am just enjoying Jesse," she says. "He's such a lovely baby. We're all a bit obsessed with him. "Sophie Ellis-Bextor is working with Appletiser, the Official Soft Drink of Ascot, to celebrate its 50th birthday. For more, follow @AppletiserUK.