‘I Never Forget Where I've Come From'

As the nation’s favourite tenor, Alfie Boe, releases a new album, he chats about staying true to his roots and all the joys of a family Christmas

- Alison James

As settings go, they don’t come much smarter than London”s Savoy Hotel. In the Princess Ida Suite, Alfie Boe serenades us – over a cup of Earl Grey, finger sandwiches and scones – with a couple of songs from As Time Goes By, his voice so powerful, we momentarily fear for the crystal chandeliers.

Alfie, immaculately stylish in suit and tie, looks completely at home here – as if he was born into five-star luxury. But nothing could be further from the truth. The youngest of nine siblings, he’s the child of a working-class family from Fleetwood in Lancashire – something he feels very proud of.

“I’m a Fleetwood lad,” he says simply when we get a chance to chat, “and I want to fly the flag for the town as much as I can. It’s a strong, wonderful town. It stands you in good stead for whatever you might want to do. You know that whatever happens, it will always be there for you. I’m glad that I’m Alfie Boe from Fleetwood in Lancashire and that I’ve never forgotten my roots. And that I speak my mind – maybe, perhaps, a bit too often! I have a lot of pride for Fleetwood and everyone who lives there.” It’s clearly mutual.