X Factor winner Sam Bailey, formerly a cruise singer, will go back to the seas when she joins Saga Sapphire’s music-themed St Petersburg and Baltic cruise this summer.
Bailey, who became a prison officer after her career singing on cruise ships, won the ITV talent show in 2013.
But the mother-of-three, who fell pregnant with her third child just after winning the show, was dropped from Simon Cowell’s record label, Syco, in February.
"I have to be honest, I work to live. As long as I’m earning money doing the thing I love most, I am happy; I can choose what I want to do, like singing on a Saga cruise," she said.
The 37-year-old will be travelling with her husband Craig and is looking forward to exploring the ship.
"Years back I used to sing on cruise ships, sailing over to Bilbao and to Gibraltar, but I have never been to the Baltic or any of the ports of call on this cruise," she said.
"I love to have fun and show off my voice so I hope the passengers will be singing along with me and enjoying themselves. I have got lots of great music up my sleeve to wow the audience.
"My mum will look after our three children so Craig and I will be able to spend lots of time together. Life has been so hectic – our house is being extended so we have all been staying at my sister’s. There are four adults, six children, including my three – Miley, eight months; Tom who is six, Brooke, 10, and two dogs in all one house™
Bailey has also started song writing and added: "I should have a single out by the end of the year and an album coming out, too. I have decided to keep my fingers in lots of pies.
"Different doors are opening but overall I love singing to an audience so being on Saga Sapphire is perfect because I want people to hear my voice and enjoy my show."’¨’¨
Also performing on the ship are The Four Legends performing Rat Pack favourites, Colin Bryant, and the Hot Rhythm Orchestra playing sounds from the Glenn Miller era.
