Duffy sets man test

Apr 11, 2009, 4:00 GMT

Duffy insists potential boyfriends ask her parents permission before taking her on as date.

The 'Warwick Avenue' singer prefers an old-fashioned approach to romance and sets high standards for her potential suitors.

She said: "Don't ask me on a date by text. Dress up and book a nice restaurant. Ask my parents' permission. I like old-school romance.

"And don't f**k with me. I may be small and blonde but you wouldn't want to make me angry."

The 24-year-old star claims her ideal man would be good at fixing things and knowledgeable about wine.

She added: "I like someone funny with handyman skills - a good handyman has a good body. I like Welsh and Italian men. A Jewish heritage is interesting.

"And I like a man who knows his Shiraz from his Merlot."

While Duffy is confident about what she wants in a man, she has not always been so self-assured.

The 'Mercy' star admits it has taken her a long time to believe she deserves her singing success.

She said: "I think I've stopped apologising. 'Sorry, sorry I'm singing'. 'Sorry, did I trip over the mic?' So f***ing what, I'm singing, let's get stuck in together.

"You're here, I'm here, what's the worst that could happen? You could put it in other ways - was it being shy, was it being coy, was it being afraid? I don't know. But apologising is the only word."