Jessica Simpson is taking a break from acting in straight-to-DVD turkeys to concentrate on her music career.

Jess is returning to her musical roots and has started work on her first country album.

The singer/actress announced plans for a new musical direction in an interview last year - and has stayed true to her word.

She tells Billboard magazine: "I am a country girl. I grew up in Texas, and country music was what I listened to.

"I always wanted to wait until the time was right."

Jess is working with country legend Willie Nelson on the follow-up to her 2006 album, A Public Affair.