Steps legend Lisa Scott-Lee has performed a career u-turn and has bagged a job as a headteacher in glamorous Dubai.
Lisa now runs a performing arts school that teaches 600 pupils.
The icon who hit the charts with 5, 6, 7, 8, started the vital role in teaching and is simply known as ‘Miss Lisa.”
The 45-year-old took on the job after moving to the United Arab Emirates with her Hear’Say husband Johnny Shentall, 42, and their two children.
The couple launched the Dubai Performing Arts Academy in 2014, which Lisa runs while juggling travel for performances, writes The Mirror.
(Image: Getty Images)
Lisa said: “Steps is my life. It has been my life for the last 24 years, but being principal of the school is my day job.
“I can never switch off. Even when I’m with Steps, rehearsing or shooting a video, I’ll be working on my laptop. It’s become a bit of a running joke. I have to flip between my Steps hat and principal hat, which can be really hard and stressful at times.
“I get on the plane as principal Lisa and get off the plane as pop star Lisa.”
(Image: Getty Images)
Lisa, along with bandmates Claire Richards, Faye Tozer, Lee Latchford-Evans and Ian ‘H’ Watkins, sold more than 20million albums worldwide.
But she is just as proud as her performing arts school, which has pupils aged between three and 18.
It’s the first and only school in the UAE to offer a BTEC qualification in Performing Arts.
Mum to Jaden, 13, and Lily 11, she said she “loves getting up in the morning with a purpose”.
(Image: Getty Images/EyeEm)
She doesn’t spend the time sunning herself beside the pool and instead spends eight to 10 hours a day working at the school six days a week.
Lisa works on the day-to-day running and business side of the school, while hubby Johnny focuses on the creative aspect and is the main teacher.
The pair moved thousands of miles away with ‘two babies, two suitcases and a two-year plan’ back in 2011.
(Image: Getty Images)
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But the singer admits it can be “really challenging” juggling motherhood with two different careers.
She flew back to the UK in October to promote Steps’ sixth studio album called What the Future Holds.
However, she hasn’t been able to jet back since Dubai was placed on the UK’s red travel list.
Although it’s been “really hard” seeing the group perform without her, she vows she’ll be back for their new album and arena tour later this year.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
