Annie's brave face

In the showbiz world of airbrushed photos and flawless features, it is a brave celebrity who faces the camera lens in the cold light of day. But rock star Annie Lennox has shown the true face of what she calls 'a mature woman facing up to failed expectations of life'.

Pale and with pale make-up, the 48-year-old mother-of-two graces the cover of latest solo album, Bare. 'I have never been known to toe the safety line in terms of how I represent myself,' The Aberdeen-born singer said. 'I am not a young artist in her early 20s.

I need to be authentic, to take risks, to break the mould when necessary. Bare contains songs that are deeply personal and emotional.' Critics are linking the album's songs to her marriage split with film-maker Uri Fruchtmann three years ago.

Lennox has amassed worldwide sales of 12million with two other solo albums. Bare is released on June 9