News : Missy Elliott is top of Heather Small’s wish list for a collaboration

Heather Small has shared that she would love the chance to collaborate with Missy Elliott.

The M People singer described the American rapper as “very good” and believes working together would challenge her creatively and take her out of her usual space.

When asked if there are still any singing goals she wants to reach, Heather told Britain’s HELLO! Magazine: “I think I’ve got another duet in me. I’d love to work with Missy Elliott, she’s really very good.

“There are so many good people out there… somebody that would really push me to a different place.”

The 59-year-old artist reflected on her long career, saying her biggest accomplishment is still being active and performing today.

After receiving her MBE from Prince William, she said: “I always said I wanted to sing for a long time.

“I think my greatest achievement is that people will still come and pay to see me sing.

“I’ve performed at the Commonwealth Games, the Olympics, Oprah Winfrey’s show, and now I’ve met Prince William.

“Twenty years ago, the late Queen was naming the Queen Mary 2 and I was there singing ‘Proud’. Now her grandson is talking to me about the song. It’s full circle.”

Although the honour recognised her charitable efforts, she was touched that the prince chose to talk to her about her music.

She shared: “He was really warm and genuinely interested.

“He talked about M People and ‘Proud’, saying that it was an inspirational song that gave comfort, and it seemed very genuine.

“My family kept saying, ‘Well, he’s the right age group!’

“They’ve been singing ‘Proud’ in schools and at many sporting events for a long time, and they’re a sporty family.”

The One Night in Heaven singer admitted she didn’t expect the award.

She said: “I was quite shocked because I received it for charitable work and not for music.

“Somebody nominated me and I didn’t know, so it was quite a surprise and quite emotional.”