Quickfire: Singer Alfie Boe on emotional food, two-timing and a dog with a movie star pedigree

Guilty pleasure? Filling the car with dodgy snacks such as Monster Munch and Quavers to eat when I’m driving.

Where is home? A traditional Cotswold stone house in a little Gloucestershire village, where I moved with my family last July. Before that we were living in America.

Career plan B? I was planning to join the Army, but in retrospect I would like to have trained as a chef – I love cooking.

Who would play you in a movie of your life? Ideally, the handsomest actor ever, but I’d probably end up with Danny DeVito.

As a child you wanted to be… A steam train driver.

Your best quality? I have a good sense of humour.

And your worst? Losing patience.

Most romantic thing you’ve ever done? Dedicate songs to my wife Sarah when I’m on stage, which I’ve done quite a few times. The first one was ‘Your Song’ by Elton John.

Last meal on earth? Roast beef and Yorkshire pudding.

Dream dinner-party guests? The Queen, lots of friends and some fantastic singers – some of whom are no longer with us – such as Freddie Mercury and Aretha Franklin.

Cat or dog? We have a golden retriever, Redford – named after the actor – and two cats, Arthur and Alice.

Starstruck moment? I’m a Liverpool football fan and I’m like a kid when I meet legendary former players such as Ray Clemence and Ian Rush.

Big break? Performing at the 25th anniversary concert of Les Misérables at the O2 Arena in 2010, which connected me to a new audience and opened a number of doors.

Career highlight? Singing for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee at Buckingham Palace in 2012 and at the concert for her 90th birthday at Windsor Castle in 2016 were amazing experiences.

Favourite tipple? I used to like the occasional shot of Talisker Scotch whiskey, but I don’t drink much these days. The older you get, the more health-aware you have to be.

Secret skill? I have played the drums since I was a kid and have several kits at home.

One thing that would make your life better? I’m happy with the way things are and anything else is a bonus.

Philosophy? Take each day as it comes.

Biggest lesson you have learned about women? Don’t go out with more than one at a time, something I was guilty of when I was younger.

Last TV show that made you cry? It’s completely ridiculous, but I can get really emotional watching cooking programmes on the Food Network TV channel – I have no idea why.

Where would you time-travel to? England in the 1940s. I know it was a very difficult time, but I love the style of that era and for some reason feel connected to it.

First record you bought? ‘The Smurf Song’ by Father Abraham and the Smurfs – very embarrassing.

Most extravagant purchase? Two wonderful family holidays last year to Mexico and Greece.

Biggest fear? Not being able to sing.

Celebrity crush? Sigourney Weaver.

Best present you ever received? My kids, Grace, ten, and Alfred, six. Watching them grow is my idea of happiness.

• Alfie’s latest album, As Time Goes By, is out now on Decca Records. He begins a UK and Ireland tour at St David’s Hall, Cardiff, on 17 March. For more information, visit alfie-boe.com/live