Beverley's 'Auntie' Chaka Khan

Beverley Knight is so friendly with soul legend Chaka Khan these days that she refers to her as 'Auntie CK'.

The two singers have a single coming out later this year, and Beverley said: "It's Miss Chaka Khan and I - two big voices on a big song.

"I've known her a number of years now but when I first met her I was done in, now I'm like 'Auntie CK'."

Describing the song, she said: "It's a totally new song written by Guy Chambers so it's full on."

Beverley has already kicked off festival season by playing gigs at Hampton Court and the Isle of Wight, and says a highlight for her was watching Lemar at Hampton Court.

She gushed: "He did a cover of Sex On Fire by Kings Of Leon, and let me tell you it was fabulous, he was sexy, he was on fire. He always is."