Quite possibly the darkest horse in the music industry, but Russia has been known for its world-adorning pop acts. Too darn right! Who can forget the slinky pair, Tatu? The female combo who spurted out, ‘All The Things You Said. Proving that the Russians have got the universal touch… away from the abdominal duo, Sergey Lazarev steps up to the mic…

? - So, this is the first we’ve heard of you. Where have you been?
- I’ve been working very hard in Russia to get support and build up a big fanbase. It’s important for me to go abroad with the support of my home country fans, and make a new name for myself.

? - We hear you’re something of a superstar pin-up in Russia. Is that true?
- Yes, I’ve been famous for a long time in Russia. I grew up in the spotlight as I was a member of the Mickey Mouse Club in Russia and have been performing professionally since I was 12 years old.
I later found major success when I was 16 when my friend and I formed the duo Smash. I decided to go solo two and a half years ago and am now releasing my 2nd album in Russia.

? - Tatu were the last music phenomenon from Russia. What do you think of them?
- We were together in the Mickey Mouse Club together so we know each other really well. I’ve watched their success in the UK and have learnt from that. The girls are very supportive of my career and are constantly asking how it’s going.

? - Did you dream of being a popstar when you were a boy?
- Absolutely. But to me it’s not about the fame, I’ve always loved performing in front of an audience.

? - Who are your musical heroes?
- I respect Robbie Williams; we share a similar story, going down the solo road. I admire him because there is a lot to live up to after being in a successful band and then to try and repeat the same success as a solo artist.

? - And your favourite female singer?
- Nelly Furtado, Beyonce, Jamelia and Mary J Blige.

? - Which artist would you most like to duet with?
- Sophie Ellis Bextor. She is unique and has her own style

? - You took part in the Russian version of Dancing On Ice. What was that like?
- The show was a tremendous success. It was very popular across the whole country and I had a lot of support. If the overall position was dependent on the judges’ vote alone, I would have come first but the public vote meant I slipped down to second place.

? - Do you have any other hidden talents the world doesn’t yet know about?
- Whether it’s singing, dancing or acting, I just love to perform in front of people and entertain them.

? - What are your current hopes and dreams?
- I want to bring my music to a new audience in the UK and would love to tour across Europe.