Chris Martin says he always wanted to be a rapper and admits listening to Jay Z to get inspiration for Coldplay’s new album.

The revelation came during an exclusive interview on South Leicestershire’s Harborough FM radio station.

Martin said: “I’ve been listening to Jay-Z and Kraftwerk a lot. Trying to get inspiration for the last few songs on our album.”

He also joked about Coldplay’s mock rap outfit The Nappies, who recorded a comedy song for Paltrow just before her baby’s birth and put it up on the Coldplay website.

When asked if the track would be an indication of the style of the new Coldplay album, Martin laughed: “I think strangely it might.

“I think every white guy growing up in Devon dreams of being able to rap, and that’s why we signed The Nappies – it was something that we could never be.”

Martin surprised Harborough FM listeners when he spoke to long-time Coldplay fan Thom Costall on his radio show.

He said he was enjoying parenthood since the birth of his baby daughter Apple with Gwyneth Paltrow and was looking forward to the new album.

“Everything’s great. I’ve just been writing lyrics and doing baby things. It’s great man, it’s the best thing that’s ever happened.

“If someone told me my life at the moment would be changing nappies and writing lyrics I would’ve taken it, Y’know? It’s my dream come true.”