11.07.18
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Everyone remembers All Saints’ Never Ever. Somewhere, at some point, you were also probably slow-dancing in front of a mirror, trying to nail the melancholic-yet-celestial spoken word intro by Natalie Appleton, before the grooves of the iconic power ballad set in. As one of the UK’s quintessential pop groups, the four-piece – comprised of Shaznay Lewis, Melanie Blatt and sisters Nicole and Natalie Appleton – scored a host of #1 singles and over 12 million album sales to prove it. With All Saint’s new album Testament out this month, here we got to know Melanie Blatt a little better.

What’s the worst advice you’ve ever given? 
“Stay for one more drink.”

What’s the best night out you’ve had this year? 

Well, it was a day, and it was The Mighty Hoopla festival in London the other week. I DJ’d there and then I went to the garage tent, and then to watch TLC. It was the most fun.

What’s the proudest moment of your life so far? 
My daughter. First of all, keeping her alive for 19 years is pretty good going. Seeing the woman she’s grown up to be makes me the most proud.

What’s your earliest childhood memory? 
Going round my grandma’s house and remembering various things in her house, some of which I still own today. I’ve got this glass dog that I’m looking at right now, and most people would consider it ugly, but it just reminds me of her.

If you could change places with someone, who would it be? 
I’m supposed to say I wouldn’t change my life for anyone else’s. But Snoop Dogg. He’s got it quite right.

What’s your favourite instrument?
The xylophone.

What’s your worst habit?
I’m a disgusting eater – I just shove it all in, and don’t think about the consequences. The food doesn’t even have time to choke me.

Most overrated trend in music?
Tropical pop. Tropical anything.

What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
I was an au pair in London for six months once and the little boy I looked after was absolutely horrible. And so were his parents.

Who’s the most famous person you’ve ever met?
Probably Bill Clinton. He was ridiculously charismatic – you know, you see these people and you think, ‘How are they even getting people to give them blowjobs?’ but then you meet them in person and you’re like ‘Ahh, I see’.

Who is the best pop star?
Prince.

Have you ever shoplifted before? 

I did once when I was about eight. I stole a pencil and I cried because I felt so bad.

"My thing is to always try to get the attention of whoever is playing at a gig. I will scream, shout, stare people right in the eye until they clock me. It worked with Prince."

What’s your ideal date?
Somewhere with an amazing sky and lots of cocktails.

What’s the best gift you’ve ever been given? 
Nicole, about 15 years ago, surprised me for my birthday by taking me to be in the audience for Ready, Steady, Cook. It was the most amazing day of my life.

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever done to get attention? 
My thing is to always try to get the attention of whoever is playing at a gig. I will scream, shout, stare people right in the eye until they clock me. It worked with Prince.

What’s your least favourite fashion trend?
The massive Buffalo-style trainers. And Crocs.

What do you do to relax? 
I am very good at relaxing. All I need is a TV in front of me.

Do you have any regrettable tattoos?
I don’t regret even my wackest tattoos. The first one I had was on my shoulder when I was 18. Me and Shaz went together and we got two for the price of one. Even though it’s nowhere near perfect – it has faded into green now, somehow – it takes me back to the times where I didn’t know any better, and it makes me smile.

Have you ever been arrested?
I have not. Yet.

What would you want written on your tombstone?
Be sad, for she is dead.

Testament is out 13 July via Absolute