The past few years have been a whirlwind for Nicole Scherzinger. Following on from her turn as the most `schamazing’ judge TheXFactor has ever seen, last year Nicole hit the studio to record a new album, BigFatLie, and topped off 2014 by landing a coveted role as Grizabella in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s acclaimed musical, Cats, a part she’s received rave reviews for.

But despite all her success, behind the scenes Nicole’s also been dealing with heartache, trying to make her relationship work with boyfriend of seven years, Fl champion Lewis Hamilton, 30. Having split for the third time in July 2013, they reunited in September 2014 and things looked golden.

Nic left her LA home to be with Lewis and, after a romantic new-year break, we thought this love story would end with ‘happily ever after’ —and a big fat diamond ring, obvs.
So imagine our shock when she revealed on 5 February that Lewis and she were over. And this time, apparently for good. It was the hardest decision we had to make, but we made it together,’ she said at the time, before reportedly cutting ties with the World Champion racing driver.
But in true Scherzinger style, she’s not about to let a little heartache get her down. Nope, newly single, Nicole is focusing on her friends and looking forward to her part in the forthcoming Broadway production of Cats, something she confirmed exclusively to us.
We caught up with the Scherzy to discuss her plans for the future, find out how she hones that banging body and obviously discover whether she’ll stay in the UK long term. Don’t go, Nicole!

First things first, you’re back in :A at the moment after your time in the UK. Do you miss us?
I’m bringing England to LA by having family picnics in my backyard. I’ve got cups of tea and scones, but I’m already missing my curry, and fish and chips. [Although] being in Los Angeles does make you want to eat salads and kale, so I’m back to my regular diet.

So, has LA now become your permanent home?
The UK is my second home but, right now, I’m done with it and I’m ready to get my LA tan on. It’s good to be back. The sun’s always shining here.

Do you ever crave normality?
Definitely. I love travelling, but hate living out of a suitcase. Packing and unpacking is the biggest pain in the butt, but when you are at home you want to be back out on the road and vice versa.

Your role in Cats at the London Palladium received rave reviews. How was that for you?
It was a dream come true to work with Andrew [Lloyd Webber] , who is a dear friend. Everyone was amazing and it was eight shows a week, so I was really going back to my theatre roots. But I found it really uplifting and it was exactly where I needed to be. It was triumphant, transforming and powerful.
In what way, exactly?
I grew a lot as a person throughout. At times, I felt I was transforming into my character. The show is quite cathartic. It’s the story of a broken woman wanting forgiveness who needs a new start in life, then she ends up being the one chosen to be reborn again.

How does someone with your success identify with a character like that?
Everyone goes through struggles. I’m sure a lot of people can relate to the songMemory, especially anyone who’s been broken and is longing to find happiness again. I think we have to be vulnerable sometimes and let things go.

You’ve just split from Lewis, but you seem so positive. Where does your strength come from at times like this?
It’s quite a personal thing but, forme, I put everything into my faith. You have to put one foot in front of the other like anyone else who has gone through any hardships in life.

After everything that’s happened, do you still want marriage and kids, or are you going to focus on your career?

Settling down is definitely in the picture for me, [but] everything at the right time.

You look incredible. How often are you working out at the moment?
It depends on what events I have coming up. I exercise at least three times a week and combine weights and cardio. It can be anything from Soulcycle to yoga, from jogging to interval training.

You’re working as Milller Corner ambassador, too. Does that mean you occasionallytreat yourself?
Yes! And I am so excited to launch the latest Rid Corner dessert. The chocolate dairy dessert with the chocolate balls is my favourite. I’m taking Muller to the next level!

You’ve done so much already, but what life goals do you still have left to achieve?
I want to continue to tour the world and then do some movie acting. I’d love to do a musical or comedy —I like to be a goofball. I’m a big fan of Judd Apatow’s movies.

Is that your next big ambition?
Andrew’s asked me to take Cats to Broadway. I believe it’s happening next year. I’m honoured to revive it. We just have to work it out with scheduling. [My album] Big Fat Lie isn’t out in the US yet, so I’m in the studio working on that, then I have a cool TV project in New York I’m going to start very soon.