Leona Lewis has spoken out on the challenges of becoming a first-time mum and returning to work.

The singer, 40, welcomed her daughter Carmel Allegra in July 2022 with her husband Dennis Jauch. 

Following the birth of Carmel, the star toured the UK in December 2023 for her 'Christmas, With Love' arena tour.

Now, discussing motherhood on the latest episode of the Nearly Parents podcast with Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo, Leona has reflected on her experience of touring with a one-year-old.

The singer said: 'I did my tour two years ago, and she was one. What it was, it was hard. It was hard. I needed my family. 

'You need to lean on your family a lot in these times, especially in that first year, family is so important. 

'And you know, if you can have people around you to help you, it's really important. 

'So my mum and dad have just been, the biggest blessing in me, still being able to do music and sing and perform and do shows and still bring my baby along with me. So having them there, it's just been the biggest blessing of life.'

Giving her advice to expectant parents Jamie and Sophie, she said: 'The first thing I would say is sleep now, like sleep as much as possible, because the sleep deprivation is so real, like, I didn't realise how like sleep deprived I would be.' 

'Baby stage, but then I feel like, now I'm still trying to catch up on sleep from then. 

It comes after the X Factor winner is set to release her first album in over ten years.

The singer, who won the third series of the talent show in 2006, went on to achieve success in the music industry but chose to take an extended break and focus on other projects.

Speaking in a interview, she revealed when fans can expect to hear her new material after being in the studio for the last year.

Leona told The Sun during a Q&A at 180 House in London: 'I’ve been in the studio since last year now.

'I’m pretty deep in the process and I’m producing everything, writing everything, so it’s very new territory for me.

'But there definitely will be something next year. It means that it’s very unfiltered. It’s very raw.'

Her debut studio album, Spirit, became one of the best-selling albums of the 2000s and the lead single, Bleeding Love, was the best-selling single of 2007.

Leona went on to release four more studio albums, her most recent, titled I Am, dropping in 2015.

She was the first British female solo artist to reach the top five with eight singles, beating out Olivia Newton-John's record of seven.

During her break from the music industry Leona has been focusing on her other projects, charity work and motherhood.

In December 2019, Leona and her husband, Dennis Jauch, opened a vegan cafe in Pasadena called Coffee and Plants, partnering with the National Forest Association to plant a tree for every cup they sell.

They expanded to their second location in Studio City earlier this year and the cafe also works in partnership with Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, with proceeds of select items donated to the charity.

The announcement comes after Leona revealed a brand-new Las Vegas residency at Voltaire following in the footsteps of Kylie Minogue, Christina Aguilera and Jason Derulo.

The Grammy-nominated singer will take to the stage at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas this holiday season with, A Starry Night, performing her first ever live shows in the United States.

Leona will transform the glitz hotel into a winter wonderland for a set of exclusive performances running from November 1 until January 3.

The X Factor winner will perform her hits Bleeding Love, Better In Time and Christmas classic One More Sleep during the Christmas spectacular at the intimate venue.

The British star said it is a 'dream' come true to have her own show in Sin City, which has been 'years in the making'.

She said: 'I'm elated to bring this show to Voltaire as it's been years in the making, made specially for my fans.

'Christmas has always been such a special time for me and my family and there's nothing quite like the energy of Las Vegas during the holidays. Can't wait to take the stage!'

Sharing the news on Instagram, Leona added: 'A dream, years in the making. Coming to life in Vegas this November!

'I am so excited to officially announce my residency at Voltaire at @venetianvegas. Can’t wait to share this new chapter with you'.

A Starry Night is intended for all ages with general admission tickets starting at $75 (£56) with VIP packages are available for purchase from August 1.

Over at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace this Christmas Dolly Parton will be taking to the stage for her residency with prices ranging from £1,500 to £4,000.

Leona will also follow the likes of Adele, Celine Dion, Kelly Clarkson, Rod Stewart, Elton John, Cher, Janet Jackson, Bruno Mars and many more.

However it was Britney Spears' Britney: Piece of Me residency in Sin City, which ran for four years from 2013 at the Axis at Planet Hollywood, that caught Leona's eye originally 11 years ago.

Despite it being unknown what Leona will be paid for her 33 date residency, she admitted back in 2014 she would be very keen to have her own show due to the staggering paycheck.