Elton John loves the smell of nappies

The musician and his husband David Furnish became parents to baby Zachary – who was born via a surrogate mother - on Christmas day (25.12.10) and Elton insists the bad odours his son produces are fragrant smelling to him.

Speaking at the Hollywood premiere of animated movie ‘Gnomeo and Juliet’ - which was produced by David and uses Elton’s songs in its soundtrack – on Sunday (23.01.11), he said: “I love the smell of nappies. Fatherhood is fantastic, it’s been the most wonderful thing that’s happened to me after meeting David.

“Surprisingly, it's been very relaxing because this little soul that you’re feeding and you’re changing and you’re bathing and you’re telling bedtime stories to is a blank canvas. All it needs is love and nurturing. “It’s the most wonderful feeling. When he gets to talking and running around, I will probably feel a little different.”

The 63-year-old singer also performed songs from the soundtrack after the screening of the film at the El Capitan Theatre and answered questions from the crowd.

Speaking about how he never thought he’d become a parent, Elton - who was also an executive producer of ‘Gnomeo and Juliet’, which is based on Shakespeare play ‘Romeo And Juliet’ and follows two garden gnomes who find love - said: “I never thought I’d be a father, but I’m so pleased I changed my mind.

“As long as David and I can bring Zachary up to be a loving and compassionate boy, I’ll be very happy.”