She comes from a successful stage family and even named herself after a character from My Fair Lady.
But Eliza Doolittle, who releases her second album today, says only now does she feel she is “stepping out of the shadow” of her famous relatives.
Her grandmother is theatre school founder Sylvia Young and her mother Frances Ruffelle won a Tony Award after playing Éponine in the English-language version of Les Misérables. Her father John Caird is a respected director and playwright.
Doolittle, 25, whose eponymous debut release in 2010 went platinum, said: “With my first record, I didn’t want to talk about them or use them. I wanted to do it on my own. Now I feel like I’ve got a little bit under my belt. I’m not as timid about talking about my family. I don’t feel like I’m trading off their success.
“When it comes down to making my own way I’ve not really gone to them. I’ve got an independent streak and have done this all on my own.”
Her new album, In Your Hands, was written after her break-up from US rock guitarist Benji Madden. She said: “I had moved to LA on my own in my own house. I was a bit heartbroken and in a very vulnerable position, and I needed a change of environment. It was really good for me and worth it when I look back at it — I got through it on my own.”
Doolittle made several West End appearances before heading into pop and does not rule out a return to the stage.
She said: “My mum gave me the best advice when I was 12, which was to write songs. Being involved in music is so important. I’m obsessed with writing now. I love her for that.”
