The 'You're Beautiful' hitmaker is pleased that he is able to consult the legendary singer whenever he has a problem and always finds the 'Your Song' star friendly and helpful.

He said: 'My musical hero is probably Elton John. He owns the management firm I'm with and when I've needed advice, he's always been there at the end of the phone. He's a really, really nice human being.'

James also insisted he would never serenade a girlfriend with any of his own music as it would be a 'weird' thing to do.

He said: ' used to carry my guitar around a lot before I started playing professionally and people would say, 'Come on James, Play us something.' And I would.

'But I think it would be a bit weird now, so I do it on stage instead.'