ALICE Chater vividly remembers the moment will.i.am approached her at a party and changed her life.

The Black Eyed Peas star and The Voice UK coach spotted Alice, made his way across the room and asked how he knew her.

16 Alice Chater says she was bullied for being 'different' and she's 'never really fitted in' Credit: Mark Hayman

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“I told him I was pretty sure he didn’t know me, but he said there was something about me. He said he was intrigued by me. I said I was a singer and he was like: ‘Whoa, no way. Call me tomorrow, I wanna hear you sing.’”

And so she did. A firm friendship was forged and Alice would later fly out to LA to record some tracks at Will’s studio.

It was the beginning of everything finally falling into place for aspiring pop star Alice, 23, and culminated in a five-album deal with Virgin EMI Records (they beat off competition from RCA, Polydor and Island, who had also wanted to snap her up).

“I really do feel this is going to my year,” she says. “I hope so anyway! It feels like it’s been bubbling and now there are lots of things to happen. Will.i.am has given me so much amazing advice, especially to always go with my gut. I remember being with him and Nicole Scherzinger, and he said I was like her. He said: ‘You sing, you dance and you’re a good person. Good people go places.’ I love Nicole and the fact she was sat there made it very surreal.”

16 Alice Chater has the backing of key industry players such as BBC Radio 1 Credit: Mark Hayman

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With her ice-blonde hair and striking, doll-like features, Alice already looks every inch the pop star – it’s easy to see why Will picked her out from that crowd two years ago.

Throw in the fact that she’s a fearless, captivating performer (check out her videos on YouTube) with a powerful vocal range reminiscent of Lady Gaga on top form, plus an impressive collection of quirky, catchy songs and Alice is quite the package.

As well as Will’s backing, she has the support of key industry players such as BBC Radio 1, which made her 2018 single Heartbreak Hotel its Introducing Track of the Week and played her debut Girls X Boys as its Best New Pop.

She’s collaborated with both Professor Green and Dutch super-producer Martin Garrix (coming this year) and featured in Little Mix’s much-talked-about video for Strip at the end of 2018. She counts Mixer Jade Thirlwall as one of her best mates.

16 Alice struggled at school with dyslexia and bullying got so bad, she refused to leave the house Credit: Mark Hayman

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But while she might look like she’s got the world at her feet, Alice hasn’t always found life quite so easy.

She struggled at school with dyslexia and was the victim of bullying so bad that she’d lock herself in the bathroom, refusing to leave the house. Her mum eventually had to remove the locks from every room.

She says: “I wasn’t very good academically, I’m a bit goofy and I liked singing, dancing and acting which made me a little different. It wasn’t classed as cool.

“And so the kids were really cruel to me. I remember getting literally thrown upside down into a bin one time. I can laugh about it now, but at the time it was horrendous. They’d wait for me after school and try to beat me up. I’d never want to fight. I found it so hard and it completely knocked my confidence.”

16 Alice cites Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Celine Dion as her biggest musical influences Credit: Mark Hayman

She says they’d make fun of her natural pout and big eyes — features she now recognises as assets, but used to try to disguise.

“I do have quite a big mouth and people used to call me ‘b**wjob lips’. And I was told that my eyes bulged out. So then I started squinting because I was worried they were too wide.

“But now I can see that they’re what make me me. We all have something we don’t like about our bodies – mine is that I feel like I look like a child. I’m not curvy at all and I wish I was, but then I am also learning to love my body and that it really doesn’t matter.”

The bullying carried on throughout Years 7 and 8 until Alice won a music scholarship at a private school and transferred there in Year 9. The move made her “instantly happier”, but she still found herself unable to properly fit in.

16 Alice appeared in local theatre productions as a young girl Credit: PR Handout

“These girls were all from privileged backgrounds and I wasn’t, so I felt very different to them. If they went skiing on a school trip I could never go because we couldn’t afford it, so I was always outside of the circle. I’m the one people laugh at and with, but I’m also easy to leave out.

“But what happened to me – growing up, moving schools, bullying, friendship groups and feeling different – has made me who I am today. I’ve always been a lone wolf. I have a small group of friends now who are amazing. I love their energy and they make me feel like a better person.”

Growing up in Ramsgate, Kent, the youngest of two sisters, Alice inherited her mother Lesley’s love of classical and opera music before discovering Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Celine Dion, who she cites as her biggest influences today, alongside Etta James, Katy Perry and Madonna.

“I used to study Celine like crazy,” she says. “Watching the technique she used over and over. So since I was little I’ve been singing those big ballads and vocally driven songs.”

16 Alice forged a friendship with Will.i.am who would later fly her out to LA to record some tracks Credit: Getty - Contributor

She appeared in local theatre productions as a young girl before her first professional role in the West End production of Annie at the age of 11 alongside Vicki Michelle. At 17, she left home and moved to London to take a place at the prestigious Italia Conti theatre school.

“I was living at the YMCA and I remember coming into school with bites from the bed bugs! Our rooms had to get fumigated every week.

“I lived with a couple of other girls on my floor who are my best friends now. We wanted to follow our dreams and so it was crazy and fun and a massive bonding experience.”

Alice recently split from her music producer boyfriend of two years and is happy to remain single as she moves into this next phase of her career.

16 Alice recently split from her boyfriend but is happy to remain single Credit: Getty - Contributor

“It’s so hard to sustain relationships. I struggle to be on my own and it can be really lonely, but at the same time you can learn to be independent and strong, so I’m working on that at the minute. I’m going to embrace it and focus on myself.”

There’s an album written and set for release later this year as well as live shows and a summer full of festivals. Alice is only just getting started.

“I feel like I’m on the verge of something, and it’s really exciting.”

Alice’s single Thief is out now.

Music video for Hourglass by Alice Chater

The body-confidence icon: Felicity Hayward, 30

Felicity has modelled for Vogue, ASOS, L’Oréal Paris and Mac, and is the founder of body positivity movement #Selflovebringsbeauty.

16 Felicity doesn't pay much attention to her weight and says she doesn't get fixated on numbers Credit: Mark Hayman

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How confident do you feel in front of a camera?

I feel I’m not just doing it for myself. When I started [modelling] in 2012, I realised I was opening doors for other women. We didn’t have a normal British girl who is edgy, cool and who just lives her life how it is. In the media, [plus-sized people] are just looked upon as the fat one who has to be funny, not the sexy or confident one. The confidence I have now is down to the impact it has on other people.

Who’s been your inspiration?

It’s all come from my nan Sybil. She’s 88 and has been such an inspiration from a young age. She’s such a babe and has always taught me to be unapologetically myself. My parents split when I was two and there was always war between them, and my grandparents were a massive stability in my upbringing. My nan just wanted me to be happy and encouraged me.

16 Felicity has modelled for Vogue, ASOS and Mac Credit: Getty - Contributor

What was your style when you were a teenager?

My nan would take me to car boot sales. My mum used to hate everything I wore but my nan would always push it. When I was younger, I definitely used clothes as armour. I always knew I was different and wasn’t the same size, although I wasn’t much bigger than my friends. It’s only when I came to London and started using the Pill at 18 that I put on a lot of weight.

What’s your go-to outfit?

A catsuit! I feel as a plus-size girl you should be able to wear any shape or size, even if it’s not flattering. I feel more confident in tight clothes. If I had one power look, it would be my ASOS leopard-print catsuit with big gold hoops, platform shoes and a biker jacket.

This is my body, this is my life, this is who I am Felicity Hayward

How much attention do you pay to your weight?

I don’t really. I just think this is my body, this is my life, this is who I am. I don’t need to change for anyone and I’ve never felt pressure to lose weight throughout my career. I don’t get fixated on numbers. I have people saying I’m promoting obesity, but I know what I’m doing. I’m helping others.

Have you received much negativity?

Last summer, I was walking down the street when a 50-year-old woman shouted: “You’re too fat to be wearing that.” I was wearing cycling shorts and a boob tube. I did go a bit nuts. I screamed: “The only thing fat about me is my wallet.” She called me a “fat pig” and I thought: “You’ve picked on the wrong person. Don’t you dare think you can come up to a woman and do that.”

16 Felicity Hayward is the founder of body positivity movement #Selflovebringsbeauty Credit: Getty - Contributor

You wrote a letter online about it, didn’t you?

I said: “If you are plus size and you are hot and want to wear a crop top and shorts, please do.” You don’t know what someone else is going through. People assume that if someone is overweight they just sit around eating burgers all day. It’s so far from the truth. It’s bizarre how we treat others. Just be nice to each other! Why bully others because they look different from you?

Felicity will star in The Beach on Channel 4 later this year.

The sportswoman: Jamie Chadwick, 20

Last August, Jamie became the first woman in history to win a British Formula 3 race. In what is still a male-dominated sport, she’s now on track for Formula 1.

16 Jamie Chadwick says we'll definitely see a woman behind the wheel of a winning F1 car

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How did it feel to lift the trophy at the F3 race and know you were making history?

It was a relief to have that weight off my shoulders because we’d been working for it all year. I didn’t actually realise at the time that I was the first woman to win, so that was just the icing on the cake.

How did you get into racing cars?

My older brother Ollie went go-karting for a friend’s birthday and came home bragging about it and the sibling rivalry kicked in. I was 11 when I started, but that’s relatively late for motorsport. When I was 14 I knew I wanted it to be my career, and I started to win scholarships and one thing led to another.

16 Jamie became the first woman in history to win a British Formula 3 race Credit: Arfa Griffiths - The Sun

Passing your driving test must have been easy then…

Well you say that, but I still can’t park very well!

Do you find it hard to stick to the speed limit?

It’s so different being on the circuit that you can’t really compare the two. I just drive a Golf GTD, which is probably a good thing or I’d have loads of speeding fines.

When did you become aware that there weren’t many women in the sport?

It was evident from the get-go, but I think aged 11 I was pretty oblivious that it was an issue. It’s just a shame. I do get jokes about women drivers and comments on social media about the guys being beaten by a girl, but I’ve also had a lot of support so I try to focus on that.

A woman can definitely win Formula 1 Jamie Chadwick

Stirling Moss said that women lack the mental aptitude for Formula 1 and Bernie Ecclestone said women drivers wouldn’t be taken seriously in a Grand Prix. Do those kinds of comments affect you?

I think it’s about developing my own self-belief and knowing that it’s possible rather than worrying about what other people say and think. Attitudes are changing and it’s just a matter of time before we see the results of that.

Do you think we’ll see a woman behind the wheel of a winning F1 car soon

Definitely. In the next five or 10 years women will make the step up. It’s one of the only sports men and women can compete equally in and when we start seeing more women at that top level, it will encourage more girls to get into the sport.

What qualities do you need to be a good racing car driver?

A lot of people don’t realise it’s a massive team sport so being able to communicate is one of the most important skills. It’s also really physical, so I spend a lot of time in the gym getting my fitness up. The steering isn’t power steering so the weight of that is really tiring, and racing in hot countries is seriously demanding. You can lose up to 4lb in sweat during a race.

At least 4​ people hospitalised in Macau F3 crash where Sophia Floersch's car flies metres into air

There was a horrific F3 crash last November when Sophia Flörsch fractured her spine during a race in Macau. Does it make you think twice about racing?

You can’t let it get to you. But Sophia is a friend of mine so obviously I was just really, really hoping she was OK. The motorsport community come together when something like that happens. It’s not nice to watch and it’s something I’m glad my parents haven’t seen.

Is it hard to have a social life?

Yeah, I don’t have a boyfriend because I’m away a lot. Most of my friends are at university, but when I do get the chance to see them it’s really nice to just be normal, and then I’m back on the circuit.

Follow Jamie on Instagram @Jamiechadwick55.

The presenter: Annaliese Dayes, 32

Annaliese presents the Friday and Saturday night Club Classics show on Heart Radio.

16 Annaliese Dayes had previously competed on Britain's Next Top Model Credit: Mark Hayman

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You joined Heart two years ago. How has it been?

It’s been a whirlwind! I used to do a breakfast show on a community radio station called Bang Radio, so I feel it wasn’t in vain that I woke up at 5am all those mornings. The first year [at Heart] was a little bit overwhelming, but it’s the first bit of stability I’ve ever had in the entertainment industry. I feel like it’s my calling. I think it’s a really good fit for me. I get to play the tunes I grew up with and talk in between. I love talking!

You were on Britain’s Next Top Model in 2009 and clashed with Abbey Clancy. Have you heard from her since?

No, I bumped into her once at a party and she ignored me. But she probably didn’t know who I was! It feels like a lifetime ago and it would be so petty to consider anything there a situation. I have no hard feelings towards her.

16 Annaliese presents the Friday and Saturday Club Classics show on Heart Radio Credit: Getty Images - Getty

How did you find her on the show?

If I’m honest, she didn’t leave much of a mark. Oh god, that sounds awful saying that! I need to stop talking before I say something horrible. But there was nothing bad about her and there was nothing great about her.

Whose career do you aspire to have?

Davina McCall and June Sarpong were the start and the reason for me. Now, I love AJ Odudu, Clara Amfo and Sarah-Jane Crawford. Even Rochelle Humes has been a massive inspiration for me – she does the show before me on Saturdays. She’s the sweetest girl.

How did you view the industry growing up?

It was white and male. I think that’s why June Sarpong stood out. I’m an only child and my dad Byron always said I was special and could do anything I wanted. I’m the apple of his eye and he has made me the woman that I am. He inspired me to be independent and being special wasn’t about being “the black girl,” it was about being myself.

The industry was white and male when I was growing up Annaliese Dayes

What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome?

I haven’t particularly experienced racism in the modelling world, but I have experienced ignorance – people just not knowing what to do with my hair or my make-up not matching [my skin]. I can’t blame them because they don’t know any better.

Does that not offend you?

I can’t be offended because they don’t know. It’s a lack of education. I think it’s sad when as a hairstylist you didn’t think that you should learn about other hair, but that’s your issue. I’ve got my own issues to take care of, I can’t be part of that.

What are your plans for 2019?

Now I’m more comfortable with where I am in my career, I want to look at different ways to give back. I’d like to get into mentoring young, black women – and just keep smashing it at Heart.

16 Annaliese inspires to have a career like Davina McCall and June Sarpong Credit: Getty - Contributor

What’s the most awkward on-air moment you’ve had?

I once said Rihanna was s**te and I didn’t mean to. I was supposed to say that she shines bright or something like that, but my mind couldn’t figure it out. I also have nightmares about burping on air. Imagine!

Tune into Annaliese’s show on Heart FM, Fridays and Saturdays, 7-10pm.

The influencer: Niomi Smart, 26

Lifestyle blogger Niomi has over 1.6million subscribers on YouTube and 1.6 million followers on Instagram. The health, beauty, food and wellness influencer is also a successful author, vlogger and businesswoman.

16 Influencer Niomi Smart has racked up over 1.6million subscribers on YouTube Credit: Mark Hayman

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What was the reason behind starting your blog?

I was studying law at the University of the West of England in Bristol, but when I graduated in 2013, my friends suggested I set up my own blog because I was so passionate about different things. It was mainly about fashion, and as it gained a bit of momentum, I began getting more into food as well. I started to get a following and created my own channel on YouTube the following year.

When did you realise you could earn a living from it?

Probably a year after I started. I was making a little money at that point. As soon as I started earning more from YouTube and vlogging than working in a shoe shop, that’s when I quit my job. I just absolutely loved it and was having fun, but earning money at the same time.

Why do you think you’ve been so successful?

I think I’m an everyday person who people can relate to. I’m just trying to spread a bit more positivity about wellbeing and looking after yourself. I think people tend to take a lot away from that.

My boyfriend had to Google vegan Niomi Smart

When did you become aware of what you were eating?

When I left university, I thought: “Right, I actually need to look after myself and look after my body.” That’s when I started plant-based eating. I went straight from eating everything to eating a plant-based diet when I was 21.

Is it true your boyfriend Joe Woodward, son of former England rugby union coach Sir Clive, had to Google “vegan” when you first met?

[Laughing] Yes! When we first met he knew what it meant but for our first few dates he had to Google exactly what it was that I do and don’t eat so that he could pick the best place for us to go.

Is Joe vegan now?

He’s not, but he loves eating that way when he’s with me because I cook mainly vegan at home.

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What does the year ahead hold for you?

I’m working on my own beauty products, which is really exciting. I always have a year’s plan, so I know everything that’s happening in 2020 as well.

And what about 10 years’ time?

It’s so hard to predict! I think I’ll be doing different things because the amazing thing about this industry is it opens up so many opportunities.I would love to still be writing books and working on multiple projects. I like keeping busy.

Follow Niomi on Instagram and YouTube @Niomismart.

PS. ALSO LOOK OUT FOR THIS YEAR... Stephanie Levi-John, 30, actress: Stephanie will star in the much-anticipated Starz series The Spanish Princess this spring, based on the bestselling novel by Philippa Gregory.

Madison Beer, 19, singer: Discovered by Justin Bieber and with more than 400 million streams of her debut EP, Madison’s first album is set for release later this year.

Nikita Parris, 24, footballer: Nikita is set to be one of the stars of this summer’s Women’s World Cup. The Man City forward already has 23 caps and nine goals under her belt and has launched her own football academy.

Twinnie, 31, singer: Hailed by Rolling Stone as one of the standout acts at last year’s Country2Country festival, Twinnie – who counts Bryan Adams among her biggest fans – releases her debut album in the summer.

Maya Hawke, 20, actress: The daughter of Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman, Maya starred in the BBC’s Little Women in 2017 and now has a leading role in the third series of Stranger Things, due for release on Netflix later this year.