Rachel Stevens ready to return

Rachel Stevens is making a pop comeback.

The former S Club 7 star - whose last solo record, 'Come and Get It', was released almost five years ago - is planning to enter the recording studio to make a new LP in the near future.

She said: "There are plans for an album but it's in the early stages. It's a new challenge and it's exciting."

In her absence from the pop scene, a number of female artists have risen to prominence but the 'Sweet Dreams My LA Ex' hitmaker believes more competition is beneficial.

She said: "There are so many great artists and most of them are women, but that's good - the more the merrier!"

The 'Don't Stop Movin' star also admitted she hasn't stayed in touch with her old bandmates.

When asked if she saw any of them anymore, Rachel told new! magazine: "Not really. But there are no hard feelings."