Anastacia: 'I lied about my age'

Popstar Anastacia has admitted that she used to lie about her age when she was signed to Sony.

The singer, 40, confessed that she was persuaded to knock off several years by her old label to match her youthful looks.

She told Heat: "When I started with Sony, they brought it up innocently, 'You know, you're 30... it's not a problem, but we'd love to make your age a little younger... most people lie about their age in this business'.

"Over the years, it's been something that's really bothered me. Being able to change record label gave me opportunity to wipe the slate clean. Now I can say that I'm 40, and I'm proud to be 40 - I think it's fabulous!"

The American also revealed that she had used Botox injections on several occasions to maintain her looks.

"It's a women's right to prolong their youth and beauty," she said. "We don't have a choice. If you don't look after yourself, you're considered a minger."

Anastacia's new studio album Heavy Rotation was released on Monday.