SuBo: They'll never get miaow-t of here

Hairy angel's cat won't let her move house

AT HOME: Susan in April
AT HOME: Susan in April
COMFORTABLE: With Pebbles
COMFORTABLE: With Pebbles

NEWLY-RICH Susan Boyle is spurning luxury mansions and buying her shabby COUNCIL HOUSE instead - because her pet cat Pebbles would hate somewhere posh.

The Scottish spinster, 48, is due to get a £100,000 first royalty cheque after her debut album I Dreamed A Dream became the most pre-ordered CD EVER.

But she told the News of the World: "I don't want to be moving an inch away from my family, and Pebbles doesn't want to move.

"She's lived there all her life and cats hate upping sticks.

"I'm the wee wifey with the mop and the cat next door. It's what keeps me grounded - remembering I am just that wifey. And Pebbles would hate to live anywhere posh."

Tonight millions of X Factor viewers will see SuBo - once cruelly dubbed Hairy Angel - sing album track Wild Horses.

Her performance was recorded last night, as she was jetting to America today - where her album has gone gold BEFORE tomorrow's release.

Simon Cowell's Sony BMG is thought to have earned £1 million from pre-sales alone, with SuBo getting around 10-15 per cent of the profits.

And the first thing she will buy is the rundown £80,000 four-bedroom semi in Blackburn, West Lothian, where she has lived alone with Pebbles since her mother died two years ago.

Under Scottish housing law she will get a £15,000 discount because her family has been the tenant for more than 30 years.

Susan Boyle sings The Power of Love in never-before-seen 2001 footage

A pal said: "She has liaised closely with the council, and everything's been done according to the law. She has the right to buy like any long- standing tenant."

Susan, who was admitted to The Priory with exhaustion after Britain's Got Talent - the show that catapulted her to fame - insisted she was currently LOVING being a celebrity.

She said: "Life is now much more calm. I'm not so lonely now and I'm not so cooped up, I'm part of the world and I find it really exciting."

And about her recent makeover she laughed: "I brush up quite well. It's like a signet to a swan - now I see a sophisticated lady.

"I think that I have turned the ordinary woman upside down.

"The wee wifey with the bottle of Flash doing her cleaning? She's gone."

Your comments

This article has 39 comments

Susan will be famous for being a real person, people can relate to her, not like the plastics. Also 1000s of people with disabilities will feel they wont be judged either , you dont know what people will suprise you with, dont judge a book first.

By mike.. Posted January 21 2010 at 6:58 AM.

I just received (and played) the album for the first time, and it's so beautiful. I wasn't sure about the selections, but her own comments about them made sense to me. Now, I'd like to see her doing an album of "torch" songs--she really does have the voice--sort of a selection like Linda Ronstadt would do. Truly amazing ! I've never gone "ga-ga" over a celebrity before, but I can't get enough of Susan.

By dr mimi wutrich.. Posted November 29 2009 at 12:01 AM.

susan is a lovely person with a great voice and a sweet personality everyone should wish her the best and i hope she is happy she doesnt need any more bad press she deserves support from everyone

By shirleee6.. Posted November 27 2009 at 6:45 PM.

Subo was great last nite in xfactor, no one in the xfactor has a voice anywhere near hers she make Stacey sound so tone deaf

By gael mungall.. Posted November 23 2009 at 7:12 PM.

I wish the headlines would stop using that Hairy Angel misnomer. Call her by her name--Susan Boyle, or SuBo at least.

By Carole.. Posted November 23 2009 at 2:49 AM.

I think Susan is great. I hope that she can handle all the fame.

By Karen.. Posted November 23 2009 at 2:14 AM.

How lovely! I'm a cat lover, and my cats come FIRST! What a lovely person Susan is, and just normal compared to all those plastic egotystical celebs out there.

By Michele.. Posted November 22 2009 at 10:18 PM.

Janet @ 3:20, I agree wholeheartedly. And to those who suggest SuBo is a little "slow," I think she absolutely made the best choice possible. She's a lot smarter than you give her credit for. Nya na na na na.

By Katee.. Posted November 22 2009 at 10:17 PM.

I agree with SuBo. The cat will be used to her home and uprooting her will be stressful. Nice to see someone putting their pets first.
Good luck Susan. You looked lovely tonight.

By emma.. Posted November 22 2009 at 8:37 PM.

Just a thought....Has anyone considered that £100k would not be enough to buy a mansion?? Its only just enough to buy her Council House.

By Jay.. Posted November 22 2009 at 7:36 PM.

i admire her - when she won i thought to myself, you'll move when your life picks up with money etc. But she has shown me! I have always supported her and am so very proud of you Susan

By hd.. Posted November 22 2009 at 5:44 PM.

excellent for Susan and the cat , nice story , however dont get what people see in her , she is a good singer but not great , she is where she is down to u tube hits of people checking out what she looked like, sorry but im not getting this? infact im not getting x factor any more Simon was supposed to be bringing some excitement to tv on a sat night !!!

By Charlotte .. Posted November 22 2009 at 4:08 PM.

susan, your cat would be ok with a move to a big posh house but I dont think you would. I live on a council estate in scotland Its the best place Ive ever lived. the community spirit is unbelievable. you stay where you are. the very best of luck to you in your career.it was meant to be

By sharrenuk.. Posted November 22 2009 at 4:05 PM.

She's only getting 10-15% income from her record sales??!! That's terrible. It's commendable that she's staying grounded and keeping her wants simple but Scrooge Simon is living the high life off the proceeds. Sure, the record company has costs but to greedily grab 85% off of her is ridiculous. It's her voice and she deserves more.

By Janet.. Posted November 22 2009 at 3:20 PM.

I didnt see the show but even here in Bali I heard about Susan Boyle.... this is the first time I have listened to her and sorry but it sounds like many Karoke nights to me!

By Gemma marjaya.. Posted November 22 2009 at 1:38 PM.

Stop listening to a crazy person people who blames things on her pet !!!! ....funny, I moved 3 times with my cat, you put the cat in a carry on then just move, my cat was fine in the new space ( 3 times !!!!!! )

By dhario.. Posted November 22 2009 at 1:15 PM.

Well done Susan. I know some people are going on about how small £100k is, but remember everyone including Simon Cowell started small. Keep yourself in order and caltivate your inner being and you will do great things in the very near future. It's always a joy to see and hear you.

By Jac.. Posted November 22 2009 at 12:08 PM.

I think Susan is cute. Its refreshing to see someone doing so well and not letting fame go to their head.

By Beverly .. Posted November 22 2009 at 10:08 AM.

There are loads of people in Scotland who have brilliant singing voices, subo being just one of them, I wouldnt say she was spectacular because really she is far from it but she can chant a tune as we say up there! I personally wish her all the success in the world, she has got a fabulous break she should use it as much as she can because she will never know if its going to end as fast as it started, and with her being signed to Simon Cowells label nothing is concrete with him anyway! Susan is quite right to buy her council house, and yes she is entitled to the discount like everyone else is who are Scottish Council Tenants, at least she is keeping her roots in Scotland when she could have moved into London or the USA.

By Gilly.. Posted November 22 2009 at 9:09 AM.

I love Susan, great voice and personality. I'm suprised she's only getting £100,000 though, I thought she'd be getting more even if it is just for pre-sales. Oh well good luck to her anyway.

By Sam.. Posted November 22 2009 at 8:55 AM.

You stay grounded Susan!

You are so right, cat's hate change.

I wish you all the happiness and success that you so rightly deserve.

You have such a beautiful voice and thank you for sharing it with us.

By Jo.. Posted November 22 2009 at 8:55 AM.

What an awful thing to say The truth , do i detect jeaousy , let me tell you , i think she is wonderful , with an excellent voice ,i talk to a nun ,a many many people in U.S.A and Canada , and they love her cant get enough of her ,I Think that alone speaks for itself , she is a lovely down to earth lady , i wish her every happiness .

By margaret.. Posted November 22 2009 at 8:40 AM.

Good for you Subo. Wishing you much happines. I will be buying your cd.

By sue.. Posted November 22 2009 at 7:47 AM.

£100.000 would never buy a mansion anyway. She is much better off staying where she is. She is talented, but that hip swivelling thing put me right off. Hope she has lost that for good. Good luck Subo, you deserve it.

By Carol.. Posted November 22 2009 at 7:05 AM.

A true inspiration to the world, proof that the dream can come true, well done susan.

By Simon.. Posted November 22 2009 at 5:33 AM.

SuBo is just fantastic.
Incredible voice.
Warms us all in Norway as the rest of the world.
Lovely personality!
Pray that she always will be happy
She deserves everything nice coming her way!
THANK SUSAN SHARING YOUR TALENT WITH US ALL!
hugs Karen :))

By Karen.. Posted November 22 2009 at 5:31 AM.

Re-Keith Price comment, saying Susan Boyle has a simply pathetic voice, really, then he needs to have his ears cleaned
out 'too much wax' in there Keith...Subo has one of the best voices I have ever heard, her new CD has already gone Gold, a testament to the millions of Subo's fans around the World.

By Will Ashton.. Posted November 22 2009 at 4:36 AM.

It still amazes me that people enjoy trying to pull down others to their level--seemingly crude and baseless. I guess it really is a form of jealousy because these people have nothing to offer to anyone. How sad. Thank heaven that Susan continued to go for the gold and has won. Can't wait for you CD to arrive.

By shirley mccaughey.. Posted November 22 2009 at 3:52 AM.

Hello,
I will never understand the fascination people have for Susan Boyle. That being said, I am happy for her success.

It does seem people are bending over backwards to laud her specifically because of her appearance. Somewhat comparable to a charity case.

While some people think she should be left alone, this is what she wanted. To be on telly, to be a star.
Cheers,
J

By J.. Posted November 22 2009 at 3:30 AM.

Those who truly believe this nobody has an amazing voice are as stupid as she is talentless!

By The Truth.. Posted November 22 2009 at 3:14 AM.

What an amazing voice - I have just listened to Susans version of Wild Horses and think it is wonderful. This lady deserves to be number one in the charts and I wish her all the best for the future!

By Angela Rae.. Posted November 22 2009 at 2:17 AM.

Yeah sure, blame the cat!

By Blink.. Posted November 22 2009 at 2:00 AM.

In Scotland the word "wifey"does not mean wife.It refers to a woman, usually an older woman.So an "auld wifey" could be an unmarried or married woman.Hope that clears it up.

By colin b... Posted November 22 2009 at 1:57 AM.

I'm happy for Susan and do understand how Pebbles would not like to be uprooted. Cats are more attached to their familiar environment than they are to their 'person'. As long as Susan and Pebbles are happy, I'm happy for them.

By jackie.. Posted November 22 2009 at 1:12 AM.

Pathetic voice, simply pathetic. Jedward or Danyl ? So overrated.Which one shouts the most ?

By Keith Price.. Posted November 22 2009 at 12:50 AM.

Amazing voice! Simply amazing! I find it incredible that Susan has not been discovered before now! Thank you so very much for this treat!

By Maria D.. Posted November 22 2009 at 12:13 AM.

What is wee wifey? If she's never been kissed how is she a wee wifey?

By Jackie B. USA.. Posted November 21 2009 at 11:59 PM.

Super that Susan's premier CD has already gone GOLD! um....can we lose the "hairy angel" ref? She really deserves all the adoration and support she's now getting.

TXNoelle

By Noel.. Posted November 21 2009 at 11:47 PM.

Money greases the wheels and it can buy the wheels, but it can't give you what Subo has already got. And money isn't as reliable as friends, family, and familiar surroundings. I hope she keeps her resolve to stay there. The fame & money might not continue for long - her home and family will.

By Tallulah.. Posted November 21 2009 at 11:03 PM.

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