Lee Ryan is happy that he is free to speak his mind now that he is embarking on a solo career apart from Blue.

Although he has caused a stir in the past by unwisely opening his mouth with gems such as stating the importance of saving the whales during the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, he is now unconstrained with the need to protect the image of a boyband.

Lee told Radio 1: "It feels different because I can actually talk, whereas before I didn't used to talk. The boys would be the ones to answer all the questions.

"I'd stay stuff because I was very passionate about stuff. It would come out wrong half the time, and they would tell me to shut up.

"By the end of it I didn't really care. I'd say stuff that was truthful, whereas a lot of people would say stuff you wanted to hear.

"I'm not too bothered about what people think, I'd rather speak my heart."