Anastacia is back for the arena tour of Here Come The Girls, coming to Manchester on December 6. She spoke to us about life after cancer, her new image, and why she’s a better talent judge than Simon Cowell.

DIVAS of the world unite — Anastacia, Lulu and Heather Small have teamed up for the biggest girls’ night out this Christmas.

With an evening of music, dance, and jokes, the touring show is described by reviewers as part hen night, part girlie sleepover.

But Anastacia, who made a comeback in 2008 after her battle with breast cancer, says Here Come The Girls isn’t just one for the ladies.

“Last year the men who were dragged along ended up having a better time than their wives. So we’re expecting more men to come along this year,” laughed the five-foot-three ‘Little Lady with The Big Voice’.

“And it excites me that we have to entertain the men too now. If it doesn’t have a bit of fear in it, it’s probably too safe for me,” she added. “If it gives me butterflies, then it’s my kind of thing.”

The Anastacia you see today still sounds the same but she has a brand new look. She’s replaced her highlighted blonde locks and trademark tinted glasses for a softer brunette hairstyle and laser eye surgery.

“I love the fact that people don’t really recognise me right now — until I start to sing,” added the 42-year-old singer.

She made her comeback in 2008 and released an album in the recession. That contributed to it not being the best-received of her works. Heavy Rotation was a different and softer sound for Anastacia, which she admits perhaps wasn’t the right decision.

“It wasn’t a deliberate move. I was just in a different decade of my life, so my music and what I do was going to be a bit different. But it was still very much what I’m all about,” she said.

“I’m in the process of making another album. I don’t know when it’ll be ready as I don’t write when I don’t need to, so it can take a little while. But this time I’ll be using the same recipe as my original I’m Outta Love material, because it worked.”

Off stage, Anastacia has been trying her hand at mentoring the stars of tomorrow, as a judge on Channel Five’s talent contest Don’t Stop Believing. hosted by Emma Bunton.

The programme, inspired by Glee, aired this summer — but what type of judge is Anastacia?

“Do you mean, am I like Simon Cowell?” she laughed. “Let me tell you the problem with Simon Cowell. He is always right. What he’s saying is the truth it’s just the way he says it that is wrong.

“I’d never be so mean to people. But I can’t help but be a fan of his. It’s annoying really.

“It’s not in my nature to deliver my opinion in his style and I enjoyed being a fair judge.”

The first Here Come The Girls was a sell out last year and 2011 looks set to introduce European and North American legs to the tour.

The must-see show signals the beginning of the party season and the 2010 show sees a brand new £1 million stage set, new songs and routines, and a new seven-piece band that promises to get you dancing in the aisles.

Anastacia added: "I can’t wait to get into rehearsals for Here Come The Girls. The sisterhood is back."

l HERE COME THE GIRLS — Manchester Arena, December 6, tickets on sale now 0844 847 8000.