Jessie J on voicing a sloth in new Ice Age film

SINGER Jessie J says being part of a blockbuster movie took her to her “favourite place to be”.

But Jessie’s location of choice wasn’t the usual movie hang outs of Cannes or California.

“I love being out of my comfort zone,” the former judge of The Voice said. “And being a voiceover artist on a film as big as this definitely took me out of that.”

The film in question is Ice Age: Collision Course, the fifth film in the popular animated series about a group of mammals eking out an existence in the Paleolithic era.

They’ve previously survived brushes with dinosaurs, a melting ice cap and continental drift, but this film sees them facing their greatest danger yet — a comet on a collision course with Earth that could wipe out life on the entire planet.

In an attempt to escape the impact zone and increase their chances of survival, Manny, Sid, Diego, and the rest of the herd leave their home and embark on a laughter-filled quest to reach the relative safety.

Along the way, they meet Brooke (Jessie), an amorous ground sloth who sees a side of Sid not apparent to any of his friends.

“Brooke is quite quirky, giggles a lot, is really awkward, and she’s very open to loving Sid for his unique qualities,” explained Jessie, who also lent her voice to the film’s title theme.

“I was just so excited to be part of such an amazing franchise, it’s been going on for so long and continues to recreate itself into something new.

“Being part of the journey from the first drawings and seeing how much work goes into it has been a real privilege.

“When I first went into the voiceover sessions, I didn’t realise every one who was going to be there, even for me as someone who has been part of many recording sessions.

“There’s the editors, the director, the animators — it’s a real team effort and no one there is saying something is wrong or right, it’s just everyone pulling in the same direction to make it great.”

Jessie, 28, whose recent hits include Bang Bang, recorded with Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj, and says she felt especially privileged to be making her movie debut on such an established hit.

“The calibre of people that you get to work with on a film like this you don’t get to work with every day,” added Jessie.

“So I’ve been like a big sponge, soaking all the information and the experience up.”

Sid is once again voiced by New York comedian John Leguizamo, who says it’s no surprise to him that Sid has become the most- popular character.

“We all have a little bit of Sid in us — that cock-eyed optimist who is always positive, no matter how much he messes up,” smiled the 51-year-old, who was once cast as Derek Trotter in a planned US remake of Only Fools and Horses.

“Sid is always honest in his reaction to things, no matter how disastrous that thing may be.

“But he’s also evolved as the years have passed and become responsible, and has earned the trust of the herd.”

Ice Age: Collision Course opens at cinemas on Friday, July 15