The opinion I am most nervous of is my Mum's

Opera singer Katherine Jenkins tells TOM BRYANT about her highlights of 25 years on the stage

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OPERA star Katherine Jenkins has performed for popes, presidents and princes but only truly feels anxious singing in front of her “wonderfully honest” mother Susan.

“If she thinks something could be better, she'll tell me. In a way, her opinion still makes me the most nervous as I know it comes from a place of truth, not politeness,’ says Katherine.

“If she says ‘that was fantastic’ then I can truly relax and be proud. That’s when I know I've done well.”

The working-class girl from Neath, South Wales, who progressed from the Royal School of Church Music in Wales to London’s Royal Academy of Music and landed a £1million record deal in 2003, has plenty to be proud of.

She is the world’s most successful classical singer, with 14 Nol albums. And Katherine, 45, credits Susan for her drive to give back, which has included multiple trips to sing for the troops in Afghanistan.