James Blunt’s mother has defended her son’s public school background.

Jane Blunt wrote to BBC Radio 4’s Today after the programme broadcast a feature about the apparent increase in musicians with privileged upbringings.

In the report, Pete Waterman, a record producer, said the industry had become “snobbish” and that hopefuls now needed “96 O levels”.

Although Blunt, who was educated at schools including the independent boarding school Elstree, was not mentioned in the report, his mother said the criticism he received was unfair.

"I was most interested to hear Pete Waterman's thoughts on public school rock stars,” she said in an email.

"His attitude is reflected by most of the critics in the UK. My son James Blunt, who is hugely appreciated worldwide, receives harsh criticism here and we have, rather sadly, been aware that it is because of his background.

"We are relieved that on the whole James's fan base take no notice of the critics."

Blunt, who served in the British Army before launching a music career, has sold almost 20 million albums worldwide. His third, ‘Some Kind Of Trouble’, was released last year.

(by Jason Gregory)