He's being very Blunt: James hits back at Twitter 'trolls'  in series of (surprisingly) funny messages...which win him a brand new army of fans

By Peter Lloyd

PUBLISHED: 12:51 EST, 25 October 2013 | UPDATED: 12:52 EST, 25 October 2013

He is often considered the Marmite of pop music - being either loved or loathed by the radio-listening public, but British crooner James Blunt won himself a brand new legion of fans.

The 39 year old, who rose to fame with the Number 1 hit You're Beautiful in 2004, has garnered fresh acolytes thanks to his interaction with so-called 'Twitter trolls'.

Taking to the micro-blogging site in recent days, the star has responded to a insults with humorous one-liners and self-deprecating jokes which has endeared him to other users.

Taking on the trolls: James takes on the vile Twitter users - and wins, thanks to his good humour

Taking on the trolls: James takes on the vile Twitter users - and wins, thanks to his good humour

James Blunt leaves at the taping of TV Show Vivement Dimanche held at the Studio Gabriel in Paris, France

James Blunt leaves at the taping of TV Show Vivement Dimanche held at the Studio Gabriel in Paris, France

When one 'troll' said: 'Jesus Christ, James Blunt has got a new album out. Is there anything else that can go wrong?' he responded with: 'Yes. He could start tweeting you.'

In another exchange, one hater wrote: 'Why does James Blunt sing like his willy is being stood on?', to which he replied: 'Damn thing's always getting caught under my feet.'

The sparkling repartee showed a warmer, more human side to Blunt - which critics often said was previously lacking. 

Popular: James has more than 200,000 followers on the popular site - a figure which will likely rise

Popular: James has more than 200,000 followers on the popular site - a figure which will likely rise

Almost immediately, fans reacted positively to his relaxed approach to tackling online critics.

Celebrity presenter Lauren Laverne declared '*Immediate follow*' when she read his messages, while another described his tactics as 'very clever troll reversal'.

Most re-tweeted, and thus agreed, that he was a 'troll extraordinaire'.

Smart: The 39 year-old star has turned the upset of online vitriol to his advantage

Smart: The 39 year-old star has turned the upset of online vitriol to his advantage

A former Army officer who trained at ­Sandhurst and fought in Kosovo, Blunt previously found it hard to lower his guard in public.

But years of living in Ibiza have helped him to gain perspective on success - and hostility. Something he says he wouldn't encounter if he wasn't 'posh'.

‘Knocking success is a British trait. But I’d be lying if I said class had nothing to do with it.

'So, having been snubbed by the MOBO (Music Of Black Origin) Awards, I’m going to create the MOPOs: the prizes for Music Of Posh Origin. We’ll see if I can beat Coldplay and Keane.'

James recently released his new album, Moon Landing. The LP's lead single, Bonfire Heart, charted at number six in the UK charts.


Amusing: James' quick-witted responses earned him new followers - and some added respect

Amusing: James' quick-witted responses earned him new followers - and some added respect

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Remember seeing him on Top Gear and I found him hilarious. Jeremy pointed out he often made fun of his own songs to which James replied "well, have you heard them?" He's a good bloke.

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He was very funny on Top Gear.

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Thought/Hoped he was retiring after his last album.

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Didnt know he had it in him. Job well done.

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Not quite the king of masterful comebacks now is he? Bore off.

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That last one was brilliant

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Im not at all a fan of his music, but every show I see him on im compelled to watch! He's so charming and funny.. absolutely love him as a person, great sense of humour :)

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I can't quite picture him as a military man; he's quite scrawny, and has a high pitched, nasally voice. He's going have to do something about the awful hair dye; closer crop haircut and no more dye I suggest. I have 'Back to Bedlam' up in my loft...reminds me, must have a clear out.

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Might be guerilla advertising...many of the tweets still plug his new album or song.

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He should respond to every jibe with a screenshot of his account overview on his online banking.

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