Jessie J has spoken out about how her ongoing health problems have helped shape who she is now following the announcement that she will be a judge on this year’s Australian version of the Voice.

The singer has started making appearances to promote the show alongside fellow judge Ricky Martin. She suffered with many health problems as a teenager including having a mini stroke.

Appearing on the Australian show Mornings, she said: "It's affected me my whole life," she told Sonia Kruger. "I had a minor stroke when I was 17. The weirdest thing is that being that sick made me Jessie J. I started writing the songs because I was sick. 

"There are things that make you become you and make you feel confident enough to do it and that was my thing. I started writing songs because that was my get-out of feeling unwell and down, and I'm still the same person.

"I just have to manage my life a certain way. I'm very proud of myself and I've done a lot more than I thought I could."

Jessie recently shared on Instagram that she was having a mystery operation and it is still not known exactly what it was for but she seems to be starting to make a good recovery and is now looking forward to the talent that she might find in Australia.

She said: "I love Australia, I can't wait to see what voices I'll discover.

"I've enjoyed sharing my knowledge and experience in vocals and in music and really enjoyed being on The Voice UK for two series."