SHE admits it has taken her a while, but Rebecca Ferguson is finally learning to say ‘no’.

The former X Factor runner up - it’s hard to believe it was 2010 when she finished second to Matt Cardle in the TV talent show - has subsequently had four top 10 albums. But she believes it has taken her until now to really take control of her career.

As she prepares to embark on a major tour which opens in Preston next Saturday and comes to Manchester later in the month, the 31-year-old singer said: “I’m really excited to be back. It’s going to be a busy year and I can’t wait to get back on the road a see the fans again.”

Rebecca released the highly-personal album Superwoman in 2016 which saw her get some of the best reviews of her career but then effectively ‘disappeared’ in 2017.

“I took a year out because I needed to get the right team round me,” she said. “I needed that time to establish who was there for me and were ready to take me to the next level in my career. I feel that I’ve now got people who have the same vision as me.”

Rebecca is clearly much more in control of her own destiny.

“I’ve started to say no to a lot of things,” she said. “I’ve had offers which I’d normally have said yes to but I’ve turned them down. I had a really good year of enjoying my children and my family and I’ve also got these nice people around me but now I’m ready to get back to it.

“Real artists don’t say yes to everything and they don’t turn up the opening of an envelope. They turn up to things which mean something to them or that is right for them. I think people can be in it for a quick buck and you can end up everywhere.

“Ultimately I just want to make really good music.”

After a year away and to prepare her for the tour, Rebecca started the year with a residency at a London jazz club.

“That was a great experience for me, it was very relaxed and allowed me to improvise,” she said. “It was a nice way to get me back into the swing of things.”

Rebecca has always written her own songs either on her own or with co-writers and she’s always working on new material.

“I think my experiences have helped me develop my style,” she said. “Having said that I love blues and soul so I don’t think I’ll ever leave them but I am a bit more open to experiment now. I’ve done a few dance tracks with vocals on. I’m not limiting myself. I felt as though in the past I’d been put into a box and it all got a bit too serious.

“Now I’ve got away away from that and I jump on all different types of records. We’ll see what happens.”

Rebecca hopes to release a new single in the near future and she’s also working on a new album.

“I have some other possibilities this year but this year my main focus will be on the music,” she said.

For the tour, Rebecca will be heading out with a full band.

“I’m lucky that I’ve got such a lovely fanbase and I want to get back out there with them,” she said. “The show will feature a diverse set, I’ll be mixing up the old and new. I want it to be a concert that everyone can come to.”

For all that has happened during her career, Rebecca said she has regrets.

“I don’t regret anything,” she said. “The past is what shapes you. I’m so grateful my fans have been so lovely.”

Rebecca Ferguson, Preston Guild Hall, Saturday, February 10 and Manchester Academy, Friday, February 23. Details from www.ticketmaster.co.uk