Estelle's shock at Blige call

British singer Estelle was left stunned by a surprise Christmas present - a praising phone call from Mary J Blige.

The 'American Boy' hitmaker has long looked up to the R&B star and was moved to tears after a previous meeting with her.

But it was a phone call from Blige over the festive season that left the Brit overwhelmed - the star had nothing but kind words to lavish on her.

Estelle says: "The only time I've ever been starstruck was when I met Mary J Blige. I cried. She's a huge hero of mine. I told her I loved her three or four times.

"She called me over the Christmas holidays and said: 'I want to give you encouragement, keep doing what you're doing and you have enough talent, so do not give up.' I was like: 'Ohmygod!'

"That was the best Christmas present ever, I didn't stop smiling for three days."