Humphrey Berney, one third of hit vocal trio Blake, is taking a well-earned break from the touring, recording and promoting that makes up the boys’ days, and, for one night only is visiting his family.

“I’m in Norfolk to visit my niece and nephew,“ explains Humphrey, known as ‘Barney’ to his group mates. “It really is important to take any opportunity to see family and friends. I haven’t been back for ages and it’s amazing how quickly they are growing up. Saying that, being woken at 6am by a small child shouting at you that he is Spider-Man isn’t that enjoyable when you have jetlag!“

Back on the road, and Humphrey rejoins his other family – Stephen Bowman and Ollie Baines – who he has been with in Blake since the group formed in 2007. The band was a four-piece until founding member Jules Knight left in 2013 to join the cast of Holby City as new doctor Harry Tressler.

“It was a shock when Jules left, as it was very sudden,“ Humphrey admits. “We had to adapt very quickly as we had live shows and so needed to rearrange songs and get used to being a three, but it has gone really well.

“It’s amazing to think it’s over a year now. After being together for so long (six years) you become very close, almost like family, so it was sad to see him go. But we often see him – in London you end up going to lots of the same events and we have been out for dinner a few times to catch up and hear all the news.“

Back in the UK after touring Asia, Russia and South Africa, Blake are on the road with a mix of some of their classic numbers with some of their newer songs, all combined with Rat Pack-style banter and stories from their world travels. And there are lots of stories to tell – performing three times for The Queen, playing the Centre Court at Wimbledon, and performing to half a billion people live on Chinese television.

Humphrey admits that tensions do sometimes get a little frayed when they’re on the road – but no more than with any ‘family’.

“We’re three individuals who spend a huge amount of time together, and we start to get tired, miss home, and little issues can seem much bigger than they are. However, it’s the sign of great friendship that after a little spat we very quickly make up.“

He continues: “It’s great to be back out in the theatres. Our shows really take people on a musical and emotional journey, and it’s great to see the range of ages that come to our gigs. We often have three generations of one family in the audience. We have such a variety of music, it appeals to a very wide range – even the husbands!“

  • Blake Live in Concert at the Radlett Centre, Aldenham Avenue, Radlett, on Friday, April 25 at 8pm. Details: 01923 859291, radlettcentre.co.uk