You're always on the go. So how do you relax?

My house is my haven; I love being there and cooking for friends. We travel so much and it's hard to make friends so I really cherish the people in my life. Fitness is also a big thing for me, not just to look good, but spiritually as well. Whether we are going to the gym or meditating, it makes me shut off. And, I don't think about work 'coz I can't get to a phone when I'm in a gym.

How often you meditate?

As often as possible. It gets me away from everything. There are times when I need to disappear and hide, but it's impossible if you're on tour and constantly surrounded by people. Meditating is a great way of having your own even when things are hectic. I'm learning yoga too; 1t's amazing I woke up this morning and was so excited because I could touch my toes. I'm getting very supple!

Does songwriting relax you?

Kind of. I really express myself through my songs, and I'm very outwardly emotional through the lyrics, so I have to be feeling pretty creative and really want to contain that when I'm writing. It's not a process I can rush and I can't think 'Ooh, I've got an hour. I'll write a song.' Sometimes, it can take me five months, but other times it can take me five minutes. It's something I have to have space to do.

Describe your ideal night in?

I would stay in with a fantastic DVD and take the phone off the hook. I've got this little nook in my lounge, which has a couch in it, and it's the comfiest couch In the whole world -I swear the couch is made from feathers hand plucked from a royal duck's bottom. I'd get a really cool movie like 'Raiders Of The Lost Ark', 'Star Wars' or ET something that reminds me of being a kid; I'd also get a big tub of really fattening ice cream, like triple-hot fudge death by chocolate-type stuff. Perfect.

Who would you invite to your fantasy dinner party?

Joey 'N Sync, 'coz he's such a fun guy. Gwyneth Paltrow 'coz she's really Intelligent. Christopher Ciccone (Madonna's brother, dontcha know) 'coz he's just a sweetheart.

Kevin Backstreet 'coz he's great. Britney 'coz I like her a lot. Madonna. Actually, scrap the rest. I'd just have Madonna 'coz she's so incredible.

Then again, part of me doesn't want to meet her in case it spoils the illusion. I like being voyeuristic where Madonna is concerned I'm not sure how I'd feel about meeting her because I've got her on a pedestal.

Where do you go out partying?

I don't really go out partying much. I rarely drink and I'm not really into the club scene. I'm a simple guy so if I have time off I like to the movies or dinner, or stay at home and cook. But if I go out I like somewhere that plays disco, not full- on house. I love to dance, so I love going anywhere I can have a boogie.

What's the best party you've ever been to?

There are a lot of disappointing parties in places like Hollywood, and in this business. You could be forgiven thinking a lot of parties are movies cast by morons, and the people there are just actors and cartoon characters. There are so many parties full of hangers-on. The more personal parties are the best. I have some great parties on my tour bus. And my record company threw a nice party after an Awards show in Australia. Some of my friends were there, and my parents, and it was lovely. Much better than hanging out with boring luvvies!

Smash Hits! November 2000.