Born in London, Florence Welch, 29, is lead singer of Florence And The Machine. In 2009, her debut album Lungs won best album at the Brits. She headlined at Glastonbury this year, and her most recent album, How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful, was shortlisted for the 2015 Mercury prize. Delilah is the latest single.

When were you happiest?

Either pottering around on my own or performing, so I don’t know what kind of person that makes me.

Which living person do you most admire, and why?

My little sister Grace. In all the ways in which I am not capable or grounded or calm, she is.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

Self-centredness.

What was your most embarrassing moment?

It was about five years ago and I am still not ready to talk about it. It was something involving dating.

Property aside, what’s the most expensive thing you’ve bought?

I was drunk in a shop that sells designer vintage clothing and woke up in the morning clutching a Chanel handbag and wearing a coat. Even now I am too ashamed to tell anyone how much it cost.

What is your most treasured possession?

My notebooks with all my lyrics.

What would your super power be?

To be able to fall asleep exactly when you need to, for exactly the right amount of time.

What makes you unhappy?

My own brain.

What is your favourite smell?

Someone you love.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A zoologist or a secretary.

Which book changed your life?

The first book that I picked up. One day at nursery, they forgot about me in the book corner and I read every single book on the shelf, one by one.

What is the worst thing anyone’s said to you?

When I was told my dad had been hit by a car while I was away on tour.

To whom would you most like to say sorry, and why?

A couple of ex-boyfriends.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

I think that’s yet to unfold.

What was the best kiss of your life?

When I was drunk at a house party when I was 17.

Have you ever said ‘I love you’ and not meant it?

No. I always felt it in that moment.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

“What’s the Wi-Fi password?”

What has been your biggest disappointment?

Never getting the lead in the musical at school.

If you could edit your past, what would you change?

Perhaps a few drunken incidents – but I’ll keep the coat.

How often do you have sex?

I am not a one-night stand kind of person, so it depends on my relationship status and touring schedule.

What is the closest you’ve come to death?

In my heavier partying days, maybe quite close.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

That everything is happening in the way it’s supposed to, although it might not feel good at the time.

Where would you most like to be right now?

I am always away, so it would be quite nice to be home in London.