Filming The Voice has been great fun and I’ve loved flying to Ireland to spend time with Una, Kian and Bressie and all the team who work on the show. They’ve made me feel so welcome and part of the family and I can’t wait togo back there in the New Year and for the show to start so you can see #teamrachel and see all the hard work we’ve been putting in so far. I’ve loved everything about it!

Getting back together with S Club has been something we’ve talked about for a while now and finally, it’s happening. It’s been a while since we were all together but walking into rehearsals that first day for Children In Need just felt right and really natural. We’ve had a good laugh and enjoyed hanging out together but to be back on stage back in November was a really special time. I had goosebumps all over my body and it was an emotional time bringing back lots of memories. Going into 2015 knowing that we have lots of fun ahead of us makes me really excited but especially to be back on stage and seeing all our fans. I was really overwhelmed when the O2 and other venues sold out and seeing all the support we had on Twitter, Facebook and in the press. Thank you so much – we can’t wait to go back out and perform and it’s you guys who have made this possible for all of us, so to each and every one of you a BIG thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Joining the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special was great fun. I miss dancing so much – I really loved being part of the show so it was great to put those dancing shoes back on and to challenge myself to learning some new routines with a new partner.

I’ve continued to support various charities and projects from WaterAid and Dettol on their Baby Blanket campaign to travelling to Florida recently to experience Caudwell Children’s Destination Dreams trip. It’s important to me to give back where and when I can and the charities I work closely with allow me the opportunity to really understand the work they do by involving me closely in their activities. Even though I know how hard the teams work, I’m still always shocked by how much their work impacts on the individuals and communities they work with when I see it first hand. It’s a great reminder of how fortunate we are and how much a kind gesture or lending support can mean to those in need and how important it is that we each do something, no matter how small, to help in any way we can. I will continue to work with these charities in 2015 and to help raise awareness and funds for them where I can and I appreciate your support to help me do that.

The start of the year was very much family orientated with the arrival of Minnie in April. Since then I’ve really busy juggling the family and lot of work commitments so I’ve been looking forward to nesting with the family at home this Christmas. It’s Minnie’s first Christmas, and our first Christmas as a family of four! I can’t wait to make the most of having a little bit of time off before it gets busy again in January!

Big congratulations to my Manager this year too, who I’ve worked with since I first joined S Club all those years ago. She also welcomed a beautiful little girl into the world this Christmas – the best Christmas present you could ask for!

To all of you who have supported me, I’m so grateful to you. It’s amazing to feel the love from my amazing fans all over the world and I really appreciate it and am reminded every day in all your messages, ‘hellos’ and letters of how lucky I am to do this job.

I’m so excited to see what 2015 brings and to have you all share it with me… so here’s to a fantastic Christmas and an even more fantastic New Year!
Love Rachel x