Whether they’re music fans or those actually in the music business, people love to hate James Blunt. It has become a bit of a USP for the 50-year-old singer-songwriter.

In response, the Wiltshire-born star has become astutely candid about being perceived as a joke, and it’s worked quite well for him – his self-deprecating wit has become a rather successful part of his marketing strategy, both on and off-stage.

He’s owned more people on Twitter than I’ve had hot dinners, cleverly