Nicole Scherzinger believes her "shame" over having bulimia caused tensions in the Pussycat Dolls.
The group split 10 years ago amid tensions with the 41-year-old beauty and now she’s reunited with four of the Dolls – Ashley Roberts, 38, Kimberly Wyatt, 37, Carmit Bachar, 45, and Jessica Sutta, 37 – Nicole has reflected on the way her eating disorder caused her to be secretive and set her apart from the rest of the band.
She said: "I hid it from the world. I was extremely ashamed. When you’re battling your own demons and insecurities, it’s not something you want to share with other people.
"I am just so grateful I could come out of that. It’s our flaws that connect us."
Kimberly – who has children Willow, four, Maple, two, and Ford, six weeks, with husband Max Rogers – admitted the group were urged to be so skinny they looked like "anorexic aliens" but she’s vowed things will be different this time round.
Speaking on ‘The Dan Wootton Interview’ podcast, she said: "Now I have two little girls looking up to me as we go through this process.
"My message is, ‘You have to find a way to feel good about yourself’."
Nicole agreed: "I wanted to say this is a completely different time. One of the pop stars I look up to is Lizzo.
"We are about equality, inclusivity, most importantly — which you tapped in with my issues — acceptance."
Jessica became gripped with alcoholism during her first stint with the ‘Buttons’ hitmakers.
She explained: "The lifestyle is not normal. You’re drinking champagne in the morning on these private jets.
"You get really unhealthy habits which, for an alcoholic, is the worst thing that could ever happen to you."
And now the singer – who recently married footballer Mikey Marquart after meeting him in recovery – feels she’s in a "really good place" and is ready to be back with the band.
She said: "I’m here to heal. I’m here to help. It’s been quite a journey and I’m not ashamed of anything. I’m actually really proud of myself. I’m in a really good place now and I’m with my girls."