Legendary crooner on new album, missing out on Hollywood, and his beloved wife

He has attained riches far beyond the imagining of Leicester-raised Arnold George Dorsey, his name before embarking on 150-million selling career.

In 1967, the Hump’s single Release Me did the unthinkable and held The Beatles off the top slot. This year, he has released the seasonal collection Warmest Christmas Wishes.

But his own festive plans will be governed by the ongoing battle of his wife of 54 years, Patricia, with Alzheimers.

“I do live in Bel Air, but I must tell you Leicester’s my home and that’s where my heart is,” says Engelbert, 82. “While my wife is not very well and she’s being treated there, it’s the place I have to stay. I can’t even come home for Christmas. But I will next year when she’s a little better.”

With several doctors attending her, Engelbert is hopeful that Patricia’s condition will improve.

“We play her my new Christmas album on a daily basis so she can feel as though I’m around,” he says. “Even if I’m far away, she feels that I’m there. And she does recognise me, which is wonderful.”

Their marriage has held strong despite his well-documented infidelities – some of which resulted in paternity suits.

He explains: “Part of growing up, my friend. You think the grass is greener, but it never is. And I learnt my lesson. I don’t regret what I’ve done because I think it was a necessary evil.

“I had to appreciate what I’ve truly got is pure and sincere. And I think it was good for me to find out that I do have a true love.”

Does he feel remorseful about having been unfaithful? “I certainly am saying my penance now, my friend,” he admits.

One relationship he hasn’t been able to maintain is that with fellow side-burned love god Tom Jones, who gave him short shrift in his recent memoir.

Engelbert says: “It certainly wasn’t on my part. I always considered him a good friend. I don’t have any animosity towards him. I think he’s a fantastic artist.

“The fact that he doesn’t approve of my friendship any more is nothing to do with me.”

Although he hasn’t watched The Voice, Engelbert would certainly be willing to lend his experience to a similar talent show.

Surprisingly, he hasn’t had any offers. “Well they haven’t come to my doorstep yet,” he says.

“It may have come to my agents and things like that. I had a manager one time and he used to get movie scripts from Hollywood by the dozen. And he put them all in the garbage can because he wanted to keep me on the road as a money-spinner. “I missed out on being a Hollywood star!”

■ Warmest Christmas Wishes is out now