Michael Ball and Alfie Boe on love, life and gigolos

Ball and Boe are celebrating another chart-smashing success as their latest album Together in Vegas storms to number three on the UK charts this weekend. We caught up with the terrible two (as in terribly naughty and charming) to chat recently and at the end of a (moderately) sensible interview, we did a quick-fire round based on some of the new album tracks. The result was as riotous as expected.To set the mood, I mentioned that at a recent film interview Tessa Thompson had revealed that her Thor co-star Chris Hemsworth “smells like a baby’s bottom”. When I asked Bryce Dallas Howard what her Jurassic World co-star Chris Pratt smells like she replied “yummy, juicy barbecue.” So what do they think each other smells like?Michael reckons Alfie pongs like, “puppies! Mostly gorgeous and occasionally sh***y.”Alfie is a bit stumped but suggests, “Burgers! Mostly your vape,” before Michael jumps in: “I smell of success. And talent.” Michael Ball and Alfie Boe interview (Image: PH )The album includes Luck B e A Lady, so do they have any superstitions or lucky charms?Michael says: “I’m obsessed with them. I have to get dressed in a certain way. I have to smell nice for the ladies and gentlemen of the audience. You can’t whistle around me.” He turns to Alfie and laughs: “He couldn’t give a sh*t!””We have to do our routine before we go on stage. The last thing we say to each other before we go on is ‘Love you.'”It’s deeply touching when Alfie quietly replies, “Love you, too.”They cover The Gambler, so what is the biggest risk either took?Michael says: “Sweeney Todd. People said it was the worst idea, the worst casting.” Of course, they were proved wrong when he went on to win 2013 Olivier Award for his performance in the classic Sondheim musical  Alfie says: “Leaving the Royal Opera House to go and do Broadway. I’d wanted to get to The Royal Opera House all my career and once I was there I wanted to go to Broadway, that was a big decision to make.”Since the album includes Just A Gigolo, i naturally want to know how much they think the other would charge… Michael is quick to reply: “£4.20 and a bag of chips” as they both collapse in fits of laughter.Keeping the tone as low as possible I also wonder what they can do All Night Long.Michael tells Alfie: “Don’t look at me with those wistful eyes!” before admitting all he does is sleep.Alfie adds:”I listen to music all the time, at night. Depending how I’m feeling, classical or rock and roll, some Elvis.”Michael jumps in “Some of my solo albums.” Only when Alfie needs to sleep, I suggest.