Pope Francis said she has “the voice of an angel”, but nobody could accuse Carly Paoli of having the patience of a saint. When we spoke last month, the world-famous mezzo soprano’s Wiltshire farmhouse was already festooned with festive decorations.

“I love, love, love Christmas,” she tells me, her face lighting up like Santa’s sleigh. “As soon as we’re over Halloween, I’m ready for it. I’ve got all the trimmings up, Christmas songs are playing…It’s such a happy time….