Melody Plant

James Blunt survived the frontline of a Balkan war – but now faces emergency surgery on an injured pinky.

The former NATO peacekeeper needs an operation on the little finger on his right hand if he wants to play the piano properly again. He snapped the digit when he was mobbed by crazed fans at a gig in Asheville, North Carolina, last month. Docs need to break then reset the finger before putting it in plaster.

And that’s not spiffing news for posh James.

The singer can still play the guitar perfectly but his skills tinkling the ivories are now more Eric Morecambe than Elton John.

There will be a few sniggers from the trendy music crowd delighted by his troubles. But whatever your musical taste, there’s no denying that his piano-playing pinky has helped shift millions of records.

Former Army captain James said last night: “I need it to be right but the idea of having them take a hammer and smash my finger into two isn’t so thrilling.”

Recalling the accident, he said: “I jumped off stage at the end of the gig and was chased by women, and even some men, in the crowd. I started running and the next thing I knew I had broken my finger. I don’t even know how I did it or what made me do it. I can’t play the piano but I can still play the guitar with my remaining fingers. It was a funny moment being chased, but when I got back on stage it was nerve-racking looking down and realising the finger was pointing the wrong way. Upon reflection, it was dumb to jump into the crowd but in a way it was my own fault. I had leather-soled shoes on and just slipped.”

Before getting into music, James had a successful military career.It included a stint in the NATO peacekeeping force in Kosovo, from which he came back unharmed. But not even the might of the evil Serb army could prepare him for legions of crazed Bluntites.

If you’ve ever seen the women at one of his gigs, you’ll know what I mean. Starched collars and rosie cheeks all round.

Beforehand everyone seems normal as fans talk about their new Porsches, boyfriends and favourite Beaujolais. But once he begins to coo You’re Beautiful (for the millionth time) they turn into a ravenous, blood-thirsty mob. And if James ever dares enter the crowd then it really becomes scary stuff, as shown by the Asheville scrum.

Sadly, the singer’s gruelling tour schedule means he cannot get the urgent surgery he needs just yet.

Not wanting to let fans down, he will continue playing shows in Japan, New Zealand and Australia while waiting for a gap in his schedule to get things fixed, with a pal filling in on keyboards.

James added: “I need it fixed. I need all my fingers to work properly. Not just for performing but for partying.”

Get well soon, James — for the sake of female Bluntites everywhere.

James Blunt wants to get married.

The ‘You’re Beautiful’ singer, famed for his womanising ways, is looking for ‘The One’ and admits finding a wife would make him happier than fame and fortune.

He said: “I am often asked when I’m going to get married. I’m searching for the answers to those sorts of questions. There are greater things in life than being rich and famous. I never set out to be rich and famous, I set out to be happy. I’m on a search for happiness. I am happy now, in certain ways I’m having an amazing time, but there are other things that I am still looking for.”

Since finding pop superstardom, Blunt has been linked to a string of female stars. Among the 34-year-old musician’s alleged conquests are Paris Hilton, model Petra Nemcova and British socialite Tara Palmer-Tomkinson

Well we are familiar with celebs having interesting or dangerous hobbies. Only yesterday did I comment on KT Tunstall’s love of rock climbing despite worrying about losing limbs in the process. And now soldier boy James Blunt joins the masses and reveals his love for the Swiss Slopes.

Hmm something tells me it’s not the skiing James loves though. Famed for his womanising ways, it is rumoured that the ‘You’re Beautiful’ singer took the virginity of hundreds of chalet girls at his favourite resort in Switzerland. And to top it off; his conquests are proudly wearing t-shirts emblazoned with the slogan “James Blunt Took my Virginity”.

Blunt is typically male and very proud of his reputation, saying: “I once found myself in a swimming pool in Los Angeles with nine naked models and I was the only bloke. I’d like to think any woman I have known has enjoyed being with me.”

Yes but how much is really true James?

There is another military man attempting to reach heights in the world of music, and he is Beautiful. Jay Picton is a physical trainer in the Navy, sporting rugged good looks and a promising music career. His single, Unexplainable Reason, has already topped an independent online chart, and he has hopes it will breakthrough to the regular pop charts in the not too distant future.

He claims to have hit the music business by accident. After a knee injury put him on sick leave he began to learn the guitar and write his own songs. Meeting his girlfriend then gave him the opportunity he needed; introducing him to Clyde Ward of Worldwide Productions. Clyde has worked with many great acts including Lionel Richie; whom our budding star has now recorded 3 songs with.

Yes girls, he does have a girlfriend (sigh); but just look at that picture. Isn’t he gorge? Keep those ears peeled for Jay Picton on your radio; if his voice matches his looks he is definitely on for a winner.

James Blunt album titled “All Lost Souls” due for release on September 17th.
I can’t wait to check out his songs!!!