Lily Allen returned to music because she missed ''free clothes and handbags''.

The 28-year-old singer doesn't think being a stay-at-home mother to Ethel, two, and Marnie, 15 months, ''suited her'' and she longed for the excitement of performing again - as well as the perks of fame.

She said: ''I wasn't good at staying at home all day, it didn't suit me. I'm creative, it's just who I am... I missed the positive feedback about my music from my fans.

''I missed the rush of performing. I missed the free clothes and handbags and the good tables in posh restaurants. I did!''

However, the 'Hard Out Here' star - who retired from pop music in 2009 - admits she worried returning to work would cause strain on family life, but is grateful the support of her husband Sam Cooper has made the change easier.

Speaking to the new edition of Britain's Glamour magazine, she added: ''I was really worried about working and the pressure it was going to put us under, and it's actually made him more protective and more loving and more caring. He's there for me.

''It was a tough decision to make, a scary adjustment, and for the children. But my relationship with my husband is as strong as it's ever been. It's lovely to come home to.''

Lily - whose parents are actor Keith Allen and producer Alison Owen - also admitted she is reluctant for her children to follow in her footsteps.

She said: ''If you come from a dysfunctional family like I came from, it's pretty straightforward, that kind of dreaming...

''My parents weren't around much when I was a kid, so that's what you want for your kids, not to have that environment.''

The new edition of Glamour magazine is on sale from Monday 5 May.