Myleene Klass- Geek or Goddess?

Myleene Klass

Myleene Klass is a mass of contradictions. The classical musician ( who began studying piano and violin aged four and is a Royal College of Music graduate) TV and radio presenter and new mother ( to Ava, two months ) has carved a place in our national consciousness by seemingly, never turning down a job. One minute she’s happily posing in lingerie for the Daily Star, the next she’s guest editing Classic FM Magazine. But although she’s ‘everywhere’ ( I once saw her smiling beautifically in an advert on the tables of my local Costa Coffee ) it hasn’t done her any harm. Perhaps her appeal is best summed –up by the white bikini. In ITV1’s I’m A Celebrity… Get me Out of Here she was ogled by men and envied by women when she showered in her teeny cossie; as one of the ‘faces’ of Marks and Spencer ( whose sales have rocketed since she joined their advertising campaign ) Myleene, 29, became the epitomy of femininity ( and thinking man’s crumpet ) as she emerged from the sea in her two-piece, five months pregnant. And that’s Myleene: sexy and clever; classical yet popular; classy but without snobbery or affectation. Now, she’s harnessing this appeal as she launches Barbie Symphony. Yes, that’s the ubiquitous, perfect doll, commonly accused of giving little girls unrealistic expectations of having to be too thin, blonde and beautiful. But, apparently, scratch Barbie’s surface and, like Myleene, you’ll find a bright, lovely girl who happens to be a dab hand at tinkling the ivories. Loma-Ann Bonner had a chat with Ms. Klass – the girl who’s made a career from blurring the boundaries.

What have the purists made of Barbie hooking up with classical music? Do they see her as a bit of a bimbo?
Labelling somebody a bimbo is outrageous! That person should be demonised, not Barbie. She’s bringing five- year-olds to classical music. Where’s the fun in judging that?

Can a doll really encourage young children to enjoy classical music?
Show me one little girl who doesn’t love Barbie. And when she started doing ballet it really encouraged more girls to start ballet lessons.
And we’re not trying to patronise kids because they really can appreciate the music. They may not be able to dissect it, but they can say, oh, it sounds like the sea. It’s promoting a way of thinking, of stretching their imagination.

You’re competing against pop music, though. What are your chances?
I want to show that classical music can be popular and accessible to the masses, and to children.
There’s classical music in Harry Potter and in E.T. and that’s not to be sniffed at.

And have you played classical music to Ava?
Not that I’m a pushy mum of course, but she listens to it every day, particularly Rachmaninov and Tchaikovsky!
I’ve probably made a rod for my own back, as when I play the piano she’s quiet and as soon as I stop she starts crying.

Are you enjoying motherhood?
I love it, and my baby brain is dissipating.

How do you sort out the working/ motherhood balance. Have you got a nanny?
I’ve got a granny nanny! And, I just take Ava everywhere with me. I did a radio show with her on my breast and the other day she vomited on my lawyer’s contract.
When I have to leave her it can be hard, but, equally, I want her to be independent and not with me all the time.
Not like I was when I was a child: I was petrified of my own shadow.

And now you’re turning round the fortunes of Marks and Sparks!
(Laughs ) Well, I missed the Christmas campaign as I was in labour.

Those ads look like so much fun to make. Do all you girls ( Erin O’Connor, Twiggy, Laura Bailey and Noemie Lenoir ) get on?
They’re phenomenal, and most of us are mummies, so we talk baby stuff. When Ava was born they all sent beautiful flowers.
Actually, now I realise the whole thing about working mothers. There’s an underground movement of us, all trying to do and achieve so much.

And you’re getting married ( to  bodyguard Graham Quinn ) soon, aren’t you?
We’d really love to, but I actually don’t know how I’ll fit it in. There’s just no time.

How has having Ava changed your relationship?
Gray's great with her. Although, I do know what people mean now about having two babies. The other day he came home and complained that he’d missed his lunch. I nearly went mad!

Myleene presents More Music Breakfast on Classic FM, Saturdays 6-9am and Sunday Breakfast 7-9am; and The Myleene Klass Show on Capital FM, Sundays 8-10pm

Barbie,Island Princess DVD is released today ( October 22nd ) priced £16.99

Barbie at the Symphony  Tour an animated classical music experience aimed at children from three kicks off in December, and plays five UK dates.
For more details visit Barbie's website

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