Local girl with stars in her eyes (From Penarth Times)

Local girl with stars in her eyes

IN AN exclusive interview, pop sensation Jem this week talked to the Penarth Times about her new album and rosy memories of a childhood spent in Penarth.

Jem - aka Jemma Griffiths - who grew up with her two sisters and brother at the family home in Clinton Road, said that her childhood was one of the happiest times of her life.

Jem, who went to Evenlode Primary School, Howell's School and Stanwell Comprehensive, said: "Penarth is obviously a very special place to me because that's where I grew up.

"I know lots of people look back on childhood through rose-tinted glasses but growing up in Penarth was a very happy time.

"I loved Cosmeston where I used to walk my dog. I was also very fond of going to the Kymin and walking along the cliff tops.

"I used to drink with my friends in the Railway on Plymouth Road. A close friend of mine from Penarth got married at St Augustine's this summer.

"I loved sixth form at Stanwell," she added.

"The teachers in the English department in particular were outstanding. It was great going back to Stanwell because I met up with all my Evenlode friends again after five years at Howells."

Jem says she can't wait to start working on a new album in January after two hectic years on the road touring and promoting her debut album Finally Woken - which has now sold well over a half a million copies worldwide.

Jem said: "I'm really looking forward to getting started on it - it's what I really enjoy doing.

"I think the new album will contain a few more upbeat songs than the first. I want to keep it fun - you need that kind of material to take on tour.

"With the slower songs, this time I'll be looking to include more tracks with greater substance lyrically."

Jem, who took piano lessons as a child, said she realised that she was destined for stardom from an early age.

She said: "There was a special moment at the park in Evenlode Avenue when I was about 11. t was a kind of realisation that I was destined to become famous even though I didn't know how at that stage."

Jem started writing songs at the age of 13.

At 14, Jem, who was also a member of Windsor Tennis Club on Evenlode Avenue, played squash for Wales.

Her mother, who works in public relations, was also an international squash player.

Jem's father is a lawyer.

Her parents are now divorced and her father has two more children with a new partner.

Jem's older sister Chloe now works as her manager.

Jem recently announced her first UK tour and will be performing at Cardiff University on November 29.