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The sexual revolution may have started in the 60s, but for most of Britain it took until the 70s and 80s for attitudes to really change. So how did it happen?

For a long time sex was something the average British family did not talk about, but in the 1970s that started to change.

A BBC Two series tracing the recent history of the British family identifies a number of key events that changed attitudes.

THE NOVEL LACE

If one book in particular illustrated how much attitudes to sex had changed among British people it was Shirley Conran’s Lace.

Published in 1982, the novel traces the relationships of four women who became friends at school – and one of who gives birth to an illegitimate child. It was incredibly explicit for the time, but it was also considered groundbreaking for other reasons.

Lace told women it was all right to be single, to be sexual and to be successful. It was also a huge mainstream hit, selling a million copies and ending up on family bookshelves across the nation. Reading it and passing it round to friends became something of a rite of passage for teenage girls – and many boys – who’d sneaked it off their parents’ bookshelf.

"The main thing about the book was that it was a novel about sex written from the woman’s point of view," says Ms Conran, who made her name in the 70s with Superwoman, a meditation on women who combine career ambitions with being a wife and mother.

"It sold by the bucketful. When I heard 14 and 15 year olds were passing in around in brown paper wrappers I was really thrilled because I knew it had got to my audience."

JOY OF SEX

Ten years earlier, a different sort of book had started to bring the idea of sexual enjoyment and experimentation into millions of homes – The Joy Of Sex.

When it was first published in 1972 it helped to shape already changing attitudes. It had graphic illustrations, suggested positions like the "goldfish" and had chapters on subjects such as "foursomes and moresomes". To date it has sold eight million copies.

Thinking back four decades, Barbara Bloomfield, who was a teenager at the time, recalls how her mother put it on the family bookshelf. For a family that rarely talked about emotions, let alone sex, it was incredible.

"She put it among all the old-fashioned books. There was The Joy of Sex, it was like a beacon," recalls Ms Bloomfield.

PAGE 3

If the Joy of Sex was the first publication to bring graphic sexual imagery into many a home, it wasn’t the first to introduce nudity. That taboo was breached by the Sun newspaper which delivered topless women daily to breakfast tables up and down the country, courtesy of its Page 3 feature.

Just a few years earlier such pictures would have been viewed by most as pornography and when the topless shots were first published, a lot of people still thought they were. Indeed, 40 years on, this daily depiction of a semi-naked woman in a mass market newspaper still has the power to offend. Labour’s deputy leader, Harriet Harman, spoke out against it last year.

But in the 1970s Page 3 signified how sex was sweeping through British family life and was a key part in the explosion of sexual imagery that was happening.

DEBBIE DOES DALLAS

The internet has brought pornography on tap, but in the 70s sexually stimulating material was distinguished by its rarity. The film Debbie Does Dallas was in the vanguard of porn’s popularisation. For many, not only was it the first time they had seen a pornographic movie but the first time they’d seen anything sexual on screen.

"It was like wow, it was quite a moment," says John Astley, who was a young, married man when it was released in 1978. "I’d never seen anything so sexual on film."

Relaxing sexual attitudes and the growing availability of VCR machines combined to attract a significant audience. Some credit it with being key to the early take-up of video machines.

"Everybody saw Debbie Does Dallas," says Judy Astley. "We [Judy and husband John] watched it together with a couple of other people for a laugh one night. We had drinks and food.

"There were some very funny scenes in it. Feeling it was funny was quite useful in covering the slightly shocked element. I thought ‘blimey, people really do make films like this’."

It was a time when sex was becoming more available on the High Street in many ways. The number of top-shelf magazines alone went from three to 50 in Britain during the decade. The first Ann Summers sex shop also opened in London.

DEATH OF TERRENCE HIGGINS

Terrence Higgins was one of the first Britons to die of a disease that brought the dangers of sex crashing through everyone’s front door.

He died of AIDS on 4 July, 1982, and by the mid 1980s there were around 7,500 HIV cases in Britain. As numbers steadily mushroomed, the government was being warned that every household in Britain could be affected in some way by the disease.

It had to act and the result was a campaign that would grab the attention of the British public. Leaflets were delivered to every household in the country headlined: "AIDS: DON’T DIE OF IGNORANCE."

"It was a huge moment," says Stephen Knight, a young man at the time. "It was a real stop sign. There’s still a lot of people having sex and people having irresponsible sex, but not in the way they did then. That’s changed vividly."

Edwina Currie was brought in to work on the campaign by her then boss Norman Fowler.

"We were desperate to get a campaign going," she says. "Before long you found yourself thinking ‘we’ve got to do this for the whole population’. Because at that moment in Britain it was among the gay community, but it could break out in the main community at any time."

Below is a selection of your comments.

The answer is so obvious it hardly needs discussion. The Pill. Coupled with (pardon the pun) better diet, housing etc meant earlier physical maturity etc. Without cheap and effective birth control, the western world would be little further forward than less developed countries.Peter Bolt, Redditch, UK

This is all window dressing for men – what about the impact of the Hite report on female sexuality?Stuart Wright, Havant, UK

I remember reading the novel Lace…gosh. That seems like centuries ago – 1989 and yes the book was passed around in brown bag, under shirts, in toilets. I was still in school and in the UAE. Such books meant MAJOR trouble for the students, particularly that our school is a convent school and run by very strict nuns. It was passed around the class – all 30 girls.Zainab, Southampton

All the publication examples in the list pale into insignificance in comparison with the publication of Lady Chatterley’s Lover in 1960. The Obscene Publications Act (1959) allowed a defence of literary quality and the trial of Lady Chatterlay for obscenity ended in a "not guilty" verdict. It was this verdict that opened the way for all the more explicit books and photos that followed.Chris Nuttall, London

I am astonished to think that the Page 3 Girl is seen as a positive thing for the sexual revolution. What is annoying about this article is the implication that we have achieved sexual enlightenment. Far from it, we now (thanks to page 3) have a very limited view of female sexuality. Women spend thousands of pounds making themselves look like porn stars with massive breasts, fake eyelashes, fake nails, and most recently, surgery on their fully waxed genitals. Please don’t be fooled into thinking that this is a positive. The sexual revolution has only taught us to treat each other like meat.Heather Stanbury, Exeter

No mainstream US newspaper would put a topless woman in it, even now in 2010. Say what you will about the Brits, but we Americans are way ahead of them in uptightness about sex. K in OH, Columbus, Ohio

I would have thought the publication of Lady Chatterley’s Lover, the school kids’ issue of Oz magazine, the Gay News trial and the passing of the Sexual Offences Act 1967 would all have been milestones worthy of note, if one was charting the sexual revolution.Jan Altus, London, UK

Marie Stopes’ work deserves to be included in a list of key moments.Nick, Cardiff

You missed #6 – the invention of Barcardi Breezer. Richard, London

What about 1932 – the year that latex condom manufacture began in Britain?Ben Turner, London, UK

Strewth. I must have been living on another planet. I was a teenager from ‘77 and I never even heard of Lace til I read this article. We never had the Sun in our house and I can assure that my parents had no copies of the Joy of Sex – just three kids. And I can categorically assure we had no Debbie Does Dallas – we had no VCR. So your use of "everyone" is shy of at least one person. I think you’re suffering from a very common generational delusion – every generation thinks it "discovered" sex. In reality we are just the first generation with mass media. I’d refer you to pre-Victorian generations, like Charles II, and what Suetonius says they got up to in Roman days. John McCormick, Northampton

As a student in the mid-70s I was able to enjoy the fruits of the sexual revolution with no need to bother with condoms, as girls who were sexually active were generally on the Pill. It was a liberated time both in actions and thinking, hippie free love was history and pretty much anything did indeed go. But come the 1980s Aids put a stop to all that, with the risk that finally there was something that couldn’t be cured by a visit to the clap clinic, and could actually kill you. Condoms became more of a must, taking away a lot of the spontaneity that made the 70s so much fun and we were all told (amid much gleeful hand-rubbing by the moralists) that it was no longer OK to have many partners.Des, Herts

Comeback star Mariah Carey took four prizes at this year’s Vibe Awards in California, which went smoothly after 2004’s event was marred by violence.

Carey took artist of the year, R&B song for We Belong Together, R&B voice of the year, and R&B album of the year.

“Whatever you’re going through in life, don’t ever give up,” Carey said.

Rapper Young Buck is awaiting trial after being charged with stabbing an audience member who punched Dr Dre at 2004’s show. He denies the charge.

The audience member, Jimmy James Johnson, was sentenced to a year in jail for punching the rap mogul, while Young Buck – whose real name is David Darnell Brown – remains free on bail.

Heightened security meant Saturday night’s show, at Sony Studios, Culver City, near Los Angeles, passed without incident.

But there was tension surrounding the night’s first award, for “hottest hook”, which was won by Hate It Or Love It, billed as being performed by The Game and former collaborator 50 Cent.

The Game collected the award, but avoided mentioning 50 Cent – who did not attend – onstage.

Carey revival

Carey’s success marks the latest stage in the revival of her career after the costly failure of her 2001 film and album project Glitter, which saw her dropped by record company EMI.

But her latest album, The Emancipation of Mimi, has been a worldwide hit and earlier this year she held the top two places in the US singles chart, with We Belong Together and Shake It Off.

The Diplomats won best group, while Kanye West won best rapper.

Damian “Junior Gong” Marley – son of reggae legend Bob Marley – received applause for performing Welcome to Jamrock, which won the Boomshot Award for Caribbean music.

Singer Mary J Blige was presented with a VLegend award, honouring her 15 years in the music industry, by producer Quincy Jones.

“Like a phoenix, I stayed strong and didn’t kill myself,” Blige said later, referring to her past problems with drug abuse and depression.

Full list of winners:

Artist of the Year: Mariah Carey
Album of the Year: Mariah Carey
R&B Voice of the Year: Mariah Carey
Best R&B Song: We Belong Together, Mariah Carey
Best Rapper: Kanye West
Next Award: Keyshia Cole
Coolest Collabo: Oh, Ciara featuring Ludacris
Street Anthem: U Don’t Know Me, TI
Power Broker of the Year: Kevin Liles
Club Banger: 1 Thing, Amerie
Reelest Video: Trapped in the Closet (Chapters 1-5), R Kelly
Hottest Hook: Hate it or Love It, The Game featuring 50 Cent
Video Goddess: Esther Baxter in Number One Spot by Ludacris
Boomshot Award: Welcome to Jamrock, Damian “Junior Gong” Marley
Best Group: The Diplomats
VStyle: Baby Phat
Vibe Vixen: Kimora Lee Simons
VLegend: Mary J Blige

The assassination of Martin Luther King in 1968 brought his wife, Coretta Scott King, to the forefront of the civil rights movement.

Mrs King dedicated her life to the continuation of his work for racial equality and non-violent protest.

She worked to preserve his message through The King Center in Atlanta and fought for a national holiday in her husband’s memory.

Born in 1927, Coretta Scott grew up on a farm in Marion, Alabama.

Music was a major part of her life. After graduating in music and education in Ohio, she went to study singing in Boston, where she met her future husband.

Bus boycott

They married in 1953 and three years later moved to Montgomery, Alabama, where the young Martin Luther became active in the civil rights movement.

She raised four children, the first of whom was born in November 1955, only a few days before King led the boycott of Montgomery’s segregated buses that began when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat.

As her husband became more prominent, Mrs King supported his work and accompanied him when he spoke, sometimes speaking if he was not available. In 1959 the couple spent a month travelling in India visiting sites associated with Mahatma Gandhi.

But it was after Martin Luther King’s death in 1968 that she stepped fully onto the public stage, determined to continue her husband’s work.

She said in her autobiography, My Life with Martin Luther King Jr, that she felt compelled to carry on the civil rights movement.

“Because his task was not finished, I felt that I must re-dedicate myself to the completion of his work,” she wrote.

Campaign against apartheid

A year after her husband’s death, she founded the Atlanta-based Martin Luther King Jr Center for Nonviolent Social Change to act as a focal point for his legacy. The centre contains exhibits on King and holds his speeches in an archive, as well as working to educate people on his beliefs.

Mrs King also campaigned for a national holiday to mark his January birthday, which has been observed annually on the third Monday in January since 1986.

She was involved with international issues and campaigned against apartheid. In 1985 she was arrested with three of her children for protesting outside the South African embassy in Washington.

In later years Mrs King suffered from ill health but marked the 20th Martin Luther King day at a public dinner on 14 January.

Coretta Scott King played a key role in the civil rights movement after the death of her husband and worked hard to ensure his message continues to be remembered and celebrated.

CARNEGIE CHALLENGE CUP FINALVenue: Wembley Date: Saturday, 29 August Kick-off: 1430 BST Coverage: Live on BBC One and online; full commentary on BBC Radio Leeds 774 AM & online and BBC Radio 5 live sports extra.

Have you ever wanted to know which Huddersfield Giant has a penchant for taking his clothes off or who is the squad’s very own Grumpy Old Man?

Then you need wait no longer.

Ahead of Saturday’s Carnegie Challenge Cup final against Warrington, BBC Radio Leeds’ James Deighton – a regular presence in the commentary box at Super League games up and down the country – gives the lowdown on the Giants squad.

BRETT HODGSON

Date of Birth: 12/02/78 Height: 1.75mWeight: 76kgSquad number: 1

Look up the word "professional" in the dictionary and you’ll see a picture of this man.

Quite literally the first name on Nathan Brown’s team-sheet and a big shout to win the 2009 Super League Man of Steel award.

A truly inspirational captain in his debut season and a player whose ability belies his relatively diminutive physical stature.

MARTIN ASPINWALL

Date of Birth: 21/10/81 Height: 1.8mWeight: 92.5kgSquad number: 2

The replacement for Danny Kirmond and chosen by Nathan Brown for a place on the bench ahead of the likes of Andy Raleigh and Simon Finnigan.

Brown has played a key role in Aspy’s conversion from winger to back-rower this season and his versatility earned him his Wembley place.

Scored a try in the Giants’ loss to St Helens in the 2006 final at Twickenham.

KEVIN BROWN

Date of Birth: 02/10/84 Height: 1.84mWeight: 89kgSquad number: 3

Recently signed a new three-year contract. Winner of the Giants’ inaugural "Most embarrassing moment of the season" award in 2007 following an unfortunate incident involving a team-mate’s wife breastfeeding.

On the pitch he’s made the stand-off position his own after Todd Carney’s abortive move from down under.

He was cup-tied for the Giants’ Challenge Cup final appearance in 2006 but played in Wigan’s losing side in 2005. A former house-mate of Jamahl Lolesi.

PAUL WHATUIRA

Date of Birth: 31/07/81 Height: 1.83mWeight: 92kg Squad number: 4

‘Fatz’ had a great first season in 2008, becoming the Giants’ top try scorer with 13.

A former New Zealand international and a two-time NRL Grand Final winner with Penrith and Wests Tigers.

While playing for Wests he posed naked on a boat for a charity calendar with just a towel preserving his modesty. Another former house-mate of Jamahl Lolesi…

DAVID HODGSON

Date of Birth: 08/08/81 Height: 1.84mWeight: 93kgSquad number: 5

A member of the "Lancashire car" which makes the cross-county journeys to and from the Galpharm Stadium along with Martin Aspinwall, Simon Finnigan and Stephen Wild.

Hodgson has scored two hat-tricks in Super League during 2009, erasing the bad memories of last year when a knee ligament injury ruled him out for most of the season.

LIAM FULTON

Date of Birth: 08/08/84 Height: 1.88mWeight: 95kgSquad number: 6

A man with a penchant for taking his clothes off. He appeared in the same naked calendar as Paul Whatuira but then also did a magazine photoshoot with his girlfriend with both as nature intended.

With these habits it’s surprising that Liam is so attached to a pair of denim shorts which the players rib him about mercilessly.

Proposed to the aforementioned girlfriend at the Eiffel Tower last month – I just hoped they kept their clothes on.

On the field he has settled in really well since his move from Wests Tigers and recovering from knee surgery.

LUKE ROBINSON

Date of Birth: 25/07/84 Height: 1.70mWeight: 81kgSquad number: 7

Almost as famous as the all-female "Team Robbo" fan club who’ve caught the eye at recent games.

The group, which includes his fiancee and sister, wear yellow shirts with slogans on such as ‘Use the force Luke.’

Had played in every game this season up until the recent Super League defeat at St Helens. Went to Wembley as a youngster to cheer on Wigan.

EORL CRABTREE

Date of Birth: 02/10/82 Height: 1.97mWeight: 122kgSquad number: 8

Unless the big man scores a try between now and the end of the season you may get to see him in all his glory with a naked run currently on the cards.

However, despite his inability to get over the line what an incredible season he’s had. His form has seen him earn his first ‘full’ England cap against France in June and he’s also been mentioned a possible contender for ‘Man of Steel’. He signed a new five-year deal in July and was awarded a testimonial.

Prior to playing at the Galpharm Stadium he was a safety steward at the ground but spent most of his time watching the game instead of the crowd.

DAVID FAIUMU

Date of Birth: 30/04/83 Height: 1.80mWeight: 93kgSquad number: 9

A skilful hooker with a devastating side-step. Represented New Zealand but was selected in the Samoa squad for the 2008 World Cup.

He arrived towards the end of the 2008 season in time to play the final three games. His family have come over to join him this year which has helped him settle in.

A quiet man who does his talking on the pitch.

DARRELL GRIFFIN

Date of Birth: 19/06/81 Height: 1.93mWeight: 113kgSquad number: 10

Could be excused for being more nervous than most ahead of the big day.

His wife Charlotte is expecting their second child on the same weekend. As a result she’ll be sitting with family at Wembley instead of with the players’ wives.

Griff is another player bang on form and recently signed a new three-year contract. Used to drive a quad-bike to and from training while playing with the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.

JAMAHL LOLESI

Date of Birth: 20/03/81 Height: 1.83mWeight: 92kgSquad number: 11

The joker of the pack, but at the same time a real ‘pro’ who takes his rugby as seriously as anyone. Just ask opposition players who’ve been nailed by ‘Jammer the Hammer’.

His former ‘tenants’ say he’s a real "clean freak" who loves nothing more than getting stuck into a big pile of dirty dishes. He’s been known to serenade his house-mates having learnt to play the guitar since joining the Giants.

Off the field he goes the extra mile to help out with community projects.

STEPHEN WILD

Date of Birth: 26/04/81 Height: 1.88mWeight: 98kgSquad number: 12

The Giants’ very own Victor Meldrew though his personality has tempered slightly since his wife gave birth recently.

Narrowly avoided a naked run last season when he scored two tries in the final game at Warrington. That feat was even more remarkable when you consider that the players had decided that anyone who passed to him for a try would also have to strip off.

He turned in a man-of-the-match performance in the quarter-final win over Castleford and will be hoping to recover in time from a knee injury picked up against the Bradford Bulls.

PAUL JACKSON

Date of Birth: 29/09/78 Height: 1.80mWeight: 108kgSquad number: 15

Was happier than most at Brett Hodgson’s arrival, before then Paul was the oldest player in the Giants squad.

A real unsung hero who was immense in their semi-final victory over St Helens.

A big fans’ favourite because of his effort and commitment on the field. Played for Scotland in the World Cup.

KEITH MASON

Date of Birth: 20/01/82 Height: 1.85mWeight: 106kgSquad number: 16

One of the Giants’ most consistent performers this season.

Will be extra careful in training this week as he picked up an injury preparing for the 2006 Challenge Cup final against St Helens and had to miss out.

A former Challenge Cup winner with St Helens in 2004. He’s another player who has pledged his future to the club this season, signing a new deal to keep him at the Galpharm until the end of 2011.

SCOTT MOORE

Date of Birth: 23/01/88 Height: 1.79mWeight: 94kgSquad number: 20

On a season-long loan from St Helens but it was his form with the Giants that saw him earn his England debut against France in June when he turned in a dazzling performance.

Was famously the youngest-ever Super League player at 16 years and 213 days when he appeared at scrum-half in Saints’ 27-18 defeat at Wigan.

Scott needs to change the record though, his team-mates are fed up of him singing Kings of Leon songs.

LEROY CUDJOE

Date of Birth: 07/04/88 Height: 1.89mWeight: 93kgSquad number: 21

Despite favouring the full-back position he’s established himself as one of Super League’s top wingers.

Has bulked up this season without losing any of his pace.

Has already touched a trophy with the Giants as part of the victorious Carnegie Nines squad last season, winning the ‘Player of the Tournament’ award in the process.

SHAUN LUNT

Date of Birth: 15/04/87 Height: 1.82mWeight: 91kgSquad number: 24

A real rags to riches story – last season he was playing in National League Two for Workington Town, now he’s on the brink of walking out at Wembley.

His home town of Cockermouth in Cumbria will come to a stand-still on Saturday to cheer on their local hero. However, Shaun has bought up half of the Wembley tickets to allow about 50 friends and family to be there in person.

Giants conditioner Mark ‘Bumper’ Andrews has described Shaun as "pound for pound the fittest member of the squad".

COACH: NATHAN BROWN

Has worked wonders in his debut season in charge of the Giants though he’s been quick to play down his contribution.

The players have certainly responded to his ‘lighter touch’ approach to coaching.

A laid-back character whose personality has been reflected in his dress sense. His match-day attire normally consists of jeans rather than tracksuit bottoms. It’s going to be interesting to see which outfit he models at Wembley.

Aussie pop star Gabriella Cilmi is only 18 but she’s already on her second album.

The youngster is best known for the catchy Sweet About Me, which was the most-played song on UK radio in 2009.

It also helped her to win six Aria awards in her home country, including best female and single of the year.

Now, Cilmi (pronounced chill-me) hopes to capitalise on that success with a follow-up album, Ten, preceded by a glittery, foot-stomping disco single, On A Mission.

She spoke to the BBC about her new sound, and getting tongue-tied around dreadlocked funk legend George Clinton.

Hello Gabriella, how are you?

I’m doing good, how are you?

Not too bad, thank you. I understand this is your 14th interview today?

Yeah, I’ve been talking about myself all day now.

Don’t you go slightly crazy – like staring at yourself in the mirror for too long?

Oh no, there’s no mirrors in here. There’s no light at all. No windows.

What?. Have the record company tied you up in a dungeon and demanded you conduct interviews until you keel over?

[Laughs] No, the room’s more like a lounge on the sixth floor of the Universal Records building in London. They’ve just brought me some salmon sashimi – and there’s even a popcorn maker in here.

Phew, that’s a relief. Now, what can you tell us about this single, On A Mission?

It’s kind of like I Will Survive for the 21st Century. It’s a song for the ladies in stilettos.

The bassline is, ahem, "reminiscent" of Joe Jackson’s Steppin’ Out.

There was definitely some inspiration behind it, but the whole song is a tribute to the early 80s disco sound – Flashdance, Donna Summer, the Bee Gees, and movies like Some Kind Of Wonderful and the Breakfast Club.

Surely you’re too young to remember any of those?

Well, my mum and my dad grew up in the 80s, so I got all their hand-me-down clothes and their hand-me-down CDs and their hand-me-down movies.

When you’re on a mission do you take the stealthy Tom Cruise approach or do you rush in with your fists flailing like Jean Claude Van Damme?

I like to creep up on people, I’m very sly. I’d love to be invisible.

In the video, there’s a cartoon Gabriella. How did that come about?

That was so exciting. On the day of the video, there was this guy drawing me and it became this little cartoon sequence.

I’d love to have a guest spot on The Simpsons. I’d be Bart’s girlfriend.

Would the animators have heard about you in America?

I don’t know how Sweet About Me did in the charts, but when I went to the States I heard it playing quite a lot in shopping centres and places like that. I’d hear it in the weirdest places. I heard it when I was in the loo once.

It was played everywhere. Do you worry the success of that song will overshadow your other records?

I know, it was around for a long time. But, you know, I’m really proud of the song, and it has got my name out there. I’ve got plenty of time.

How did you approach making the new record? Did you consciously try to move away from the sound of Sweet About Me?

I wanted to do something different for the new album, so it’s a big, over-the-top production.

We’ve just been mixing a song called Let Me Know, and we’ve got a big choir in and boosted them up in the chorus.

I hear you met funk legend George Clinton while you were recording. What was that like?

Well, I was working with Dallas Austin – who’s collaborated with everyone from TLC to Gwen Stefani and Pink – so that was really crazy. And George Clinton just walked in. I could see his colourful hair and he was like, "heeeey, lady."

They were just sitting there talking about who got James Brown’s suits when he died and about Prince, as if they were mates with him. It was pretty incredible.

You didn’t ask him to break out the bass?

I should have. I was too intimidated. Imagine "Gabriella Cilmi featuring George Clinton." I’ll ask him next time. Now that we’re mates.

Was the album recorded in the US, then?

It’s funny, you travel all around the world, but I actually recorded most of it in my PJs around the corner from my London flat.

Why are you calling it Ten?

My birthday this year is on 10/10/10. Ten has always been my lucky number and it has a good energy around it.

People who hear you sing might be surprised that you’re so young. When did you discover this powerful voice?

I don’t know… I used to sing along to people like Tina Turner and Meatloaf. He had amazing backing singers – this one woman, Ellen Foley, I owe a lot to her. She had this massive female, rock opera voice and I used to sing along to Paradise By The Dashboard Light.

A lot of Australian acts have made it in the UK recently – Empire Of The Sun, Temper Trap, The Veronicas. Why now?

There’s always been a great music scene at home. That beach culture really thrives on music. I just think people are starting to bring it abroad more, and go on tour.

The scene is just getting hotter. I’m going to put it down to the hole in the ozone layer above Australia.

You must miss the heat now that you live in London.

I went back for Christmas and New Year, and the day that I left to come back to London, it was 45 degrees. Then when I got here it was like minus 10.

Had you ever seen snow growing up in Australia?

No. The first time I saw snow was last year in England. I love watching it from my bedroom and snuggling up in bed. Too bad I don’t have anyone to snuggle up to…

Gabriella Cilmi was talking to BBC News entertainment reporter, Mark Savage. On A Mission is out on 7 March.