Katherine Jenkins says one paper warned it would 'trash her' during early career

Katherine Jenkins has reflected on the "crazy" questions she was asked by the press as a young classical singer.

The mezzo-soprano, who has had 14 number one albums, is about to start a tour marking 25 years as one of the world's most successful classical singers.

Jenkins, 46, from Neath, said she had "found her own voice" and learnt to take control of her career over the years, adding that she was often staggered by the things journalists would say to her.

"I would often get asked 'who's looking after your children?' That's crazy. You wouldn't get tenors asked that question," she told BBC Radio Wales.

She recalled being at the Classical Brit Awards early in her career and being told by one journalist that their newspaper loved her, but would have to "trash her" sooner or later.

"There were loads of fake stories I read about myself ordering crazy meals and bonkers demands, and you just think, 'wow, I'd never say that'. But it's something you learn to navigate," she added.

"It takes a lot of hard work and practice to be good at what you do in any field," said Jenkins.

"And when it comes to talking about women, unfortunately, hard work and ambition seems to equal a negative."

She has recently developed a gin brand which is made in Wales and sold around the world, but said people often assumed she was just the face brought into to front it, rather than the entrepreneur behind it.

A quarter of a decade into her career, Jenkins said she had "remained the same person" thanks to her close-knit family and childhood friends who keep her grounded.

She credits her late father, who died when she was 15, who gave her a "quiet confidence", often telling her "I believe in you".

"He was a house husband, which is quite forward thinking for back then. He was picking me up from school, making dinner, taking me to singing lessons or choir practice," said Jenkins.

"There are certain moments when I think 'oh my gosh, my dad would love this'. But I do think he's with me."

There have been many career highlights for Jenkins over the decades, including performing for British troops in Afghanistan, which she described as "emotional" and which led to a long standing relationship with the forces.

Another highlight was recording a classical version of the Dolly Parton hit I Will Always Love You.

Jenkins said she wrote to Parton to ask for her permission to record the song, adding that Parton approved of her version.

"I think I'm the first to sing it in a foreign language which is so amazing to get to do that.

"I got to meet her. She was as charming and funny as you would imagine. I got to see her backstage at the O2 and she said lovely things about it, she was very complimentary, she loved it."

Looking forward the next 25 years, Jenkins said she had her sights on the film industry.

"I think the dream would be to voice an animated character. I think that would be really fun," she said.