Before our interview I am told in hushed tones that Beverley Knight has a weakness for Irish men. This is splendid news - I am Irish and I have a weakness for Beverley Knight.

The sultry soul singer introduces herself and purrs “Hello”, my heart melts. Ah Beverley, I think this could be love.

For more than a decade Knight has enjoyed a breathtaking marathon of success. Rivals to her British soul queen crown have come and gone. Such longevity is almost unique in today’s fickle music industry; the legendary Cliff Richard might be the closest comparison? Loud guffaws of laughter greet the suggestion. It was meant to be a compliment. Oh dear, my attempts at romance may be floundering.

“I think I have survived for three reasons,” Knight reveals. “A love for music rather than the fame or money, a superb management team, and my record label has never dropped me!” Her laughter returns but it is a compelling point - in the capricious music industry a decade of consistent support from a label is rare devotion.

Knight has always given the impression that she is happy with her unique role in the British music A-league, visible on stage but rarely under the direct spotlight.
I have my suspicions she would risk her long swim in the pool of pop for one big naughty splash from the diving board.

I gently probe. You have enjoyed years of success without the negative sides; media intrusion into your private life, embarrassing exposures - would you risk that safe place to experiencing a spell as a bigger ‘superstar’? “Well…” she confesses, “I probably would.” Anxious to explain, Knight stresses she appreciates what she already has, “I know how lucky I have been but I am not going to lie, it would be fantastic to have a major profile, a string of number ones and to step into international recognition. Years in the business have not dented my ambition.”

This hunger is demonstrated by the fact that, for the first time ever, her next album will be released and aggressively marketed in America. “I know that means hard work on the promotion trail over there,” she says. “But it is a price I am willing to pay.”

Success across the Atlantic would transform her life. Is there a risk we will lose our favourite soul diva to those talent-hungry Americans? “Not a chance. If I am successful there I am not going to behave like other acts have done and immerse myself over there, I only want to break America as it is the gateway to international success. Recognition there means that the rest of the world pays attention; it would put me in the biggest shop window. I will always live and be based in Britain. That is more important to me than any career success.”

The hardest working woman in pop has a busy summer schedule; for now America can wait. Performing to her devoted UK fans is taking priority. Next up is her appearance with Lemar at the English Heritage picnic concerts at Marble Hill in Twickenham.

Once upon a time, in a typical display of generosity, she helped provide a young Lemar with his first major performance, inviting him onstage to perform with her at the Hammersmith Apollo. “He was so nervous,” recalls Knight. “He gave a great solo though, I was really proud of him, I think it meant a lot to him, the crowd went crazy and knew they were seeing a hot new talent. He has built a great career for himself since Fame Academy.”

The concert, on 11 August, should provide the opportunity for an epic performance. The unique historical setting at Marble Hill is a superb location. “I love performing outdoors in the elements,” Knight reveals. “The most incredible concert I have ever played was outdoors at a huge amphitheatre in Verona. It was amazing, the sense of history and the incredible acoustics really took my breath away. It was a concert with Jamiroquai, he released it on DVD, we both realised how special that place was.”

London gig venues pale in comparison with such historical splendour, but Knight feels the capital has plenty to be proud about. “I think we are blessed with some great locations,” she says. “The Shepherd’s Bush Empire is my favourite. The capacity is only a few thousand, relatively small for me at this stage, but it has the right balance; big enough to be noisy and passionate, but somehow still intimate and personal, I don’t think anywhere compares. I adore the Jazz Café. If it spent a bit of money on sprucing up, and replaced those horrific toilets, it would be top class.”

Perhaps she could cough up some funds for a new bathroom – this could be part of her legacy, the Beverley Knight bathroom; each toilet could play your greatest hits when you lift the lid up? “Ha ha ha, yes, I love it, that is the perfect answer. The bigger the splash the louder the music gets.”

With toilet talk in full flow I know it is time for me to make my move. So Beverley, (voice descending deeper), a little birdie tells me you have a weakness for Irish men?
“Ha ha, oh dear, yes”, a nervous giggle follows.
Yes. I am so in.
“I revealed that recently in an interview, she wasn’t meant to print it. I think I can guess where you are from?”
The perfect moment; I move in for the kill and…her mobile phone rings. “Hello darling, yes I am just in an interview I’ll call back, I love you, see you soon baby.”
I feel nauseous.
“That was my new boyfriend!” (Yes Sherlock, I guessed) “He is Irish.”

It takes a certain type of poise and grace to recover from such a knock-back. If only I had it. Oh well, I mumble onto the next question, tears welling.

I hear Nelson Mandela is a big fan; it must be nice to have legends in your fan club? “My time spent with Mandela was one of the most important in my life. To be with someone who has actually changed the course of history, influenced our world and attitudes, was truly amazing. Princess Diana’s brother Earl Spencer asked me to perform for him at a charity event; I was placed beside Nelson at this gala dinner the Earl had arranged and I sang acapella for him. It was very special, I was so proud to be there.”

Are there any other living legends you would enjoy getting acquainted with? “A decade ago I would have said Michael Jackson because of his musical legacy. Now however it would be more out of morbid curiosity, like a visit to the London Dungeons! Oh crikey I don’t believe I said that!” Knight’s sweet, familiar laughter rings out again.

Michael Jackson will forgive her. As will I, our love will have to wait. Her new Irish lover is ringing again and her taxi has appeared at the door.

“I’m sorry, I have to go,” she says, somehow sounding truly upset. “Farewell Bev,” I mumble. If you love them set them free.

Beverley Knight plays Marble Hill, Twickenham with Lemar on 11 August 2007.