Rebecca Ferguson has revealed she didn’t feel ‘physically’ ready to perform at Eurovision so soon after giving birth.

The singer, 36, – who welcomed her fourth child in February – took to the stage in Liverpool at the semi finals as she belted out all her hits to adoring crowds. 

But now in an exclusive chat with MailOnline Rebecca has told how she felt dubious about getting back on stage so soon after having her little one – whose name and gender have not been revealed.

She said: ‘Physically I was not feeling ready. I’ve just had a baby, I’ve not been on a diet. In fact, I can’t diet because I’m breastfeeding. 

‘I wouldn’t normally have done it. I had to ask myself ‘am I physically ready?’ But then I thought: ‘actually, I’m a mum, I’m breastfeeding and I can do it!’  

Tough: Rebecca Ferguson has revealed she didn’t feel ‘physically’ ready to perform at Eurovision so soon after giving birth

Mum: The singer, 36, – who welcomed her fourth child in February – took to the stage in Liverpool at the semi finals as she belted out all her hits to adoring crowds

She also rehearsed for Eurovision while breastfeeding: ‘Normally I’m critical of myself but I practised so much – breastfeeding, singing, breastfeeding, singing – that was my preparation. When I came off stage I knew I’d done my best.’

She also rehearsed for Eurovision while breastfeeding, explaining: ‘Normally I’m critical of myself but I practised so much – breastfeeding, singing, breastfeeding, singing – that was my preparation. 

‘When I came off stage I knew I’d done my best.’

‘I was tired though. I was breastfeeding the baby in-between rehearsals and interviews. Hormonally when I had to be away from him I was like ‘where is my baby?’

‘But I was also really conscious that I needed to deliver a great performance.’

Rebecca caught the eye on Tuesday as she delivered a powerhouse performance at the first Eurovision semi-final.

The star looked nothing short of sensational in a voluminous ruffled orange gown.

The incredible dress was made up of layers of tulle and boasted a long train that flowed behind her on the stage.

Brave: But now in an exclusive chat with MailOnline Rebecca has told how she felt dubious about getting back on stage so soon after having her little one – whose name and gender have not been revealed 

Sensational: Rebecca caught the eye on Tuesday as she delivered a powerhouse performance at the first Eurovision semi-final

 

Congratulations: The former X Factor star and her husband Jonny Hughes announced the arrival of their first child together in February, who was born on Valentine’s Day

Rebecca wore a pair of sparking jewel-encrusted earrings and added several gold rings.

Her raven tresses were swept up from her face in a high ponytail as she showed off her vocal talents.

The X Factor star completed her striking look with a full face of glamorous make-up and a slick of lipgloss.

Ireland, Malta, Latvia, the Netherlands and Azerbaijan are out of the running for Eurovision 2023. 

On Tuesday night, 15 countries performed at the M&S Bank arena in part one of two semi-finals for the chance to win a place in Saturday’s grand final. 

Ten acts made it through with Finland favourite Kaarija and Sweden’s former winner Loreen who was victorious in 2012 with her hit Euphoria, also secured a place. 

Hosted by Alesha Dixon, Hannah Waddingham and Julia Sanina, the stadium was lit up by an array of wacky, moving and colourful acts, while King Charles, Queen Camilla and the late Paul O’Grady starred in a opening video to kick off the show. 

The ten acts who made it through were; Croatia, Moldova, Switzerland, Finland, Czechia, Israel, Sweden, Serbia, Portugal and Norway. 

In a change to the rules this year, the decision of who goes through is entirely down to the public, with national juries being able to have their say during the final on Saturday. 

31 countries will compete in two semi-finals with 10 from each going through to the Grand Final.

Last year’s winner Ukraine automatically progressed to the Grand Final, along with the big five, comprising the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain and Italy.

Romance: The couple married in December of last year at her ‘dream wedding venue’ in London’s upmarket Mayfair district, after seven years of dating 

This year’s Eurovision Grand Final has the Royal seal of approval. 

During a visit to the venue, the Liverpool Arena, the King told the UK entrant Mae Muller that he would be ‘watching with great interest’ and ‘egging her on’. ‘Thank you. No pressure,’ she joked.

At last year’s contest, held in Italy, the UK fielded its strongest entry for years with Sam Ryder’s Space Man, but no one begrudged the Ukrainians their victory with Kalush Orchestra’s ebullient Stefania.

For the grand final commentary on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, Graham Norton and comedian Mel Giedroyc will take turns in the commentary box to bring those watching at home their unique and expert views on the 2023 acts.