THE term 'natural' is often misused in showbusiness but there's not doubt that Zoe Birkett is just that.

Will may have won Pop Idol and Gareth got the most publicity, but clearly the one who enjoyed it most was Zoe -- the bubbly teenager from the North East with the big hair and the even bigger voice.

As the last girl to be voted out of the TV show that captured the nation, the bouncy 16-year-old won fans both young and old with her vibrant performances, her fantastic singing voice and her great smile.

Now touring the UK with her fellow Pop Idol finalists, Zoe rings from Manchester where she will play Manchester Arena for the first of two packed out shows.

"I'm so sorry I'm late," she says, "it's been one of those days."

You could argue that since she first appeared for her audition for Pop Idol every day has been 'one of those days'.

To listen to her chatting away on the phone you would never imagine that in less than two hours time she will take to the stage in front of 20,000+ screaming fans.

"The tour's going brilliantly," she says. "It's so great to be back with everyone. We all got on so well during the show, it's like being back with the family."

Pop Idol Live covers 21-dates with all 10 finalists taking to the stage backed by the Big Blue big band.

"Big band music has always been a favourite of mine and to work with Big Blue is just fantastic. We have a good laugh and I get the chance to sing with such a great band."

Last week Zoe was forced to pull out of a couple of shows after she got flu, but she's 'on the mend' as she puts it and can't wait to get on on stage and enjoy herself.

"I sing five songs in the show, including two duets with Gareth," she says. These include 'Get Happy' which provided one of the highlights of Pop Idol on TV plus

National press have tried to romantically link Zoe with Gareth Gates, the spiky-haired heartthrob currently at number one with Unchained Melody.

But Zoe won't be drawn into this speculation.

"We are all really good friends," she says diplomatically.

Since the TV show finished Zoe has been working hard recording her tracks for the Pop Idol album which is due out on April 8.

"I have had the chance to go home and spend some time with my mum and dad too," she adds. "You need your family to keep you sane because it's so easy to get lost in this business,"

With such a wise head on her shoulders it's easy to forget just how young Zoe is.

But one thing's for sure. Her Pop Idol success means that she won't be returning to school.

"That's the beauty of education, you can always return to it," she says. "But I've got such a great oppoprtunity now I can't turn it down."

After the tour ends, it's back into the recording studio where she will once again be working with Big Blue.

"I will be doing my own album of big band songs, but I can't tell you what's on it yet," she says secretively.

So with all the success has Zoe not been the slightest bit tempted to go a little bit mad, to treat herself to something wild and extravagant.

"No I haven't goine mad at all" she laughs, "though I might treat myself later on. But at the moment I've got everything I need."

With a voice like hers and a personality to match, she's not wrong there.

Pop Idol Live returns to the Manchester Arena tomorrow night. Details from the box office on 0161 930 8000.