Cyndi Lauper has signed autographs while pretending to be Madonna.

The 61-year-old star - whose career has spanned more than 30 years - has revealed she's occasionally faked being her pop rival when fans mistake her for the 'Like a Virgin' star.

She told the 'Graham Norton Show': ''It happens to me once in a while. I just sign Madonna. I don't care and as long as I don't talk I get away with it.''

The duo were often pitted against each other during the 1980s and while their careers have subsequently taken different paths, Cyndi's music remains an inspiration to some modern-day stars, including British girl group Little Mix.

The band - which features Perrie Edwards, 21, Jade Thirlwall, 22, Jesy Nelson and Leigh-Anne Pinnock, both of whom are 23 - recently revealed Cyndi was one of the main influences behind their new album.

Jesy said: ''Our biggest inspiration is Cyndi Lauper. We want it to be music for everyone - but especially for girls.''

The four-piece girl band revealed their new music will be a throwback to the 1980s, citing Prince as another inspiration.

Jesy explained: ''We love Prince too, he's an icon and definitely inspired the sound.''