Leona Lewis has explained the reasons behind the delay of her new album.

The singer's third record 'Glassheart' originally had a 2011 release date but it will only come out in the UK on October 15.

The former X Factor winner told the Birmingham Mail that she wanted to push back the unveiling of the album so that she could spend longer on getting the right feel for the record. Lewis said:

"I had a provisional deadline but I was still in the midst of recording and didn't feel like I'd got the crux of the album. So I kept going and kept writing and then I got Fraser T Smith involved, who went on to executive produce all the songs. So it took a bit longer but it was for good reasons."

The 'Bleeding Love' star meanwhile also remained coy on potential touring plans, admitting that she will wait to see how 'Glassheart' is received before heading out on the road. She said:

"I see myself going on tour but I'm going to have to see how the album goes and roll with it. I did my first tour was the best time I'd ever had so I'd love for that to happen again."