James Blunt has told the Guardian today (January 18), that his mother has a different impression of her son's looks that he does himself, he said:

"In my mother's eyes I am Tom Cruise, but I see Alan Partridge. At 5ft 8in, I'm not quite as tall as I would have hoped. I joke about my height and always say I would love an extra two inches – I am not sure where – but I actually quite enjoy being small, because tall people look gangly on stage.

I was once a reconnaissance officer in the army and, when you're creeping around in bushes trying not to be seen, it's better to be small. I think people look at me and wonder how come this scrawny little person was ever in the army. I think I look much bigger with a gun."

Speaking to the newspaper for their regular 'What I see in the mirror' feature, he continued:

"I used to have a beard, but my mother told me to shave it off. Fortunately I am hanging on to my hair. You might be able to see the odd grey hair creeping through, but nothing that can't be washed away with Just For Men. My best features are my ears, which are very small.

I am quite healthy: I am known for gentle songs, but in live shows, I run around a great deal. I ride around London on a bicycle, too, because it's fastest, so I'm holding on to a sense of fitness. At least there is no paunch at the moment.

"I am older on the outside than on the inside, because I am thoroughly immature. I live such a young life: I get up on stage with a band of guys and we mess around doing what should only be a hobby. But people pay us to do it and we've been doing it for 10 years, and I will carry on as long as people are foolish enough to buy our records."

James Blunt will be joining Russell Brand, Linda Robson and Dermot O'Leary on The Jonathan Ross Show tonight (January 18) on ITV1 at 9.45pm.

Watch James Blunt be interviewd on BBC Breakfast in October 2013 below: