The British singer-songwriter started playing the piano at age four and hasn’t looked back…

Roachford receives MBE

Joining an elite group of pop artists, Andrew Roachford received his MBE for service to music from Anne, Princess Royal, at Bucking Palace on Wednesday. Joined by his mother Kathleen, brother Stephen and cousin Louise Roachford-Gould, Roachford used the occasion to celebrate the role his family had played in his career.

Speaking after the investiture he said: “When I was just four years old my mum paid for piano lessons. She had a belief in me from such a young age, one that is now vindicated, and it was really special to share this day with her. My brother Stephen has worked with me since before my first record deal and he has shared every moment of my career.”

“It’s an honour, and very humbling, to be recognised for my passion and work. It is made even more special to share this moment and this honour with my family.”

Roachford’s smash hit single Cuddly Toy has become a mainstay of radio airplay, reaching No.4 in the 1988 charts. Over the course of 1o studio albums, he’s become a sought-after artist, name-checked by the likes of Michael Jackson, Joss Stone and Chaka Khan, touring with contemporaries Terence Trent D’Arby and The Christians.

Roachford’s new album Twice In A Lifetime will be released on 3 April on BMG. Produced by Jimmy Hogarth, who has previously worked with Paolo Nutini, Duffy and Amy Winehouse, the album features several members of Winehouse’s band as well as a duet with Beverley Knight.

Tilda Howard