Will.i.am wants to become a British citizen.

The 'It's My Birthday' hitmaker - who turned 40 last weekend (15.03.15) - was born and bred in Los Angeles but has spent so much time in the UK since launching his music career that he feels it is his new home.

He said: ''I want to become a proper Brit. I have been coming here for years and I just like it, it feels like home.''

However, 'The Voice' UK coach admitted if he was to officially become a Brit, his dream home in England would be in the London skyscraper The Shard, although he is unable to afford a £50 million pad in the building because he doesn't earn enough.

He added to The Sun newspaper: ''I want to live in The Shard but it is expensive and this show doesn't really pay the bill but I'll figure it out.''

The news comes just a few weeks after the Black Eyed Peas star was reportedly spotted house-hunting in Essex, south England.

A source previously said: ''will has been looking for somewhere to live in the UK and he is really impressed with Essex. He loves the thought of having a sprawling Essex manor and throwing loads of parties. He wants to set up his own recording studio as well.

''After seeing the house he is thinking about putting in an offer. The place would need quite a revamp but will is up for that. He loves England and wants to make it his home.''