Now James says his cash is helping to heal family rifts. He says: “I have a habit of throwing money at things now. People say money can’t solve things – but it can solve everything.”
Earlier this year he was linked to a string of beautiful women, including pop star Rita Ora, 22, and TV host Caroline Flack, 33. There were also reports that he had sessions with a couple of hookers. Now he wants to kill the rumours.
“People think I’m above my station,” he says. “They think I’m a chav out sh*gging prostitutes and drinking all the time and that is just not the case. With this album people will see the real me. I haven’t been asked to compromise and they didn’t try and manufacture me in any way. I hope people will see that.”
Now he’s looking for a girlfriend and hopes to settle down. He says: “I guess it’s cool to have something consistent when your life is so dysfunctional. I’m on the lookout now that I’ve finished my album. I would like someone who understands the industry – and someone who doesn’t necessarily need me.”
• You’re Nobody ’Til Somebody Loves You is out on download now. His album, James Arthur, is out on November 4.