Thatcher and the Tories? A big influence on your music?
Kim: Well there was definitely a punk hangover in the ‘80s. There was still a lot of attitude flying about that affected the way we made music. I was 20 and just out of art college with dyed, punky hair. Thatcher was definitely omnipresent in the ‘80s and created the dynamics for something to react against. I don't think that exists now.

Was there any discrimination towards women in the industry back then?
Kim: No, I didn’t but the record company really pissed me off when they told me to lose weight. I thought, ‘Has it come to this? Where my self esteem depends on losing a few pounds?’ Eventually I couldn’t be bothered with looking a certain way and not being myself. I was 31 and I just felt burnt out. So I left the business and I don’t regret it. I signed up for the musical Tommy in the West End instead where I met my husband, Hal. He was playing cousin Kevin and I was Mrs Walker. We’re now married. I have two children and I’ve developed a career as a gardener and I love it.

So, now you are green fingered Wilde. Who’d have thought...?
Kim: I know. I love performing but I can take it or leave it. Horticulture is far more challenging. I’m absolutely fascinated by it. There’s always something to learn. My whole fascination with it started when I decided to grow a garden for my kids.

You're on the Here & Now tour. Sad novelty ‘80s act time or a serious comeback?
Kim: I was wary about doing this at first. All those thoughts about novelty act went through my mind and I knew it would be a bit of a gamble but I like getting up there and performing the old songs. My instincts told me to do it and they’ve never let me down.