Since hitting the headlines more than 10 years ago Susan Boyle has been a present face in the music industry and in that time has made millions.
Despite the record sales and sold-out shows the West Lothian native still lives in her council house which she has called home for nearly 60 years.
The 58-year-old hit the big time in 2009 when she came runner-up to dance act Diversity in Britain’s Got Talent.
Since then it’s believed she has made an estimated £22m, however she has always lived a modest life.
(Image: OK Magazine)
The I Dreamed A Dream star managed to purchase her former council house in Blackburn after making enough money to do so.
OK! magazine were given a tour round her humble abode which has been done up since 2009.
Susan said she grew up in the home which hold so many memories for her: “It’s to do with the memories of your house and your upbringing, you need to take stock of things and maybe see where you come from and where your roots lie.
“It’s best to be grounded and with your roots. It keeps you grounded and prevents you from saying things maybe you shouldn’t say.”
After buying the house she took steps to replace her dad’s garage which was once crammed full old cars.
(Image: OK Magazine)
She added: “I couldn’t do anything too extravagant or over the top because I have got my parents.
“My parents will probably come back and haunt me. It’s good to stay grounded. You get the glamorous side and then you’ve got the more natural side.”
On entering the house you’re immediately greeted with a collection of Jesus Christ ornaments before you arrive at her piano room, crammed full with more religious artefacts as well as heaps of musical memorabilia.
Susan says: “That’s a giggle for a start because I can’t even do scales! I’m only learning at the moment,” Susan laughs of her attempts to tinkle the ivories.”
Dotted around the house you can’t miss significant moments from Susan‘s illustrious career, from a memento of her Comic Relief single with Peter Kay to a framed record to mark one million sales of her albums I Dreamed A Dream and The Gift.
There’s also other poignant moments that Susan has on display, including photos and paintings of her late parents and a meeting with the Pope.
She points out her favourite item, a ‘dream’ trinket: “That’s always my motto to keep to your dreams, follow your dreams.”
Elsewhere in the property there’s a very modest kitchen, which Susan reveals she only recently had done. Replacing what she describes as so small “you hadn’t room to swing a cat”, with a brand new white and grey fit, with space for her kitschy crockery collection.
She also explains, sat on a large grey and checked sofa, that being back home before her upcoming tour gave her time to give her living room a makeover as well, getting new wallpaper, a new carpet fitted and neatly placing her many ornaments of angels, rabbits and cats.
“With me being away all the time you tend to overlook these things,” she said.
Susan reflects on her life in her childhood home, taking OK! Online into her dressing room which was once slept in by her and two of her siblings.
“There’s a bit of history attached to this house there used to be nine of us in it,” she explains.
“Three sisters used to sleep in what is now my dressing room. Bridie, Cathy and myself. Mary had gotten married and left the nest long ago. So when they all left I was left with this room. This used to be my room.”
(Image: OK Magazine)
Now the dressing room is strikingly different, gone is the record player that she used to play The Osmonds on, and the bed and chair she used to have. Instead there’s costume jewellery dotted around and a wardrobe crammed full of fancy clothes.
And Susan is more than happy to poke a little fun at herself when it comes to reminiscing over her red carpet past.
She said of being cast into the limelight in her forties that she had to learn from her mistakes, especially the dress she wore for the Britain’S Got Talent grand finale.
She adds: “I have a stylist now who helps me!”
And it’s not the only backlash she’s seen, but the criticism is something she likes to brush off: “It’s a bit like riding a bike you learn to do better. You’ve got to make mistakes to overcome things and I’ve made some amazing mistakes.”
Susan says that Britain’s Got Talent will always have a special place in her heart as she was “lucky to be picked”, hoping that the talent show will stick around for a little longer.
