Cherie: 'Our best night ever was during freebie holiday in Berlusconi's Sardinian villa'

The "freebie" break four years ago raised eyebrows as Mr Berlusconi, who is facing corruption charges, entertained the Blairs with a spectacular fireworks display.

At the end of the colourful extravaganza the message "Viva Tony" was spelled out in rockets as the Blairs clapped enthusiastically.

Best friends: Silvio Berlusconi with Tony and Cherie Blair

Cherie told the latest edition of A magazine: "There is no doubt that between my husband and Silvio Berlusconi there is friendship and trust."

Referring to Mr Berlusconi's villa, on the island of Sardinia, she said: "I have never had an evening like the one I had in Sardinia.

"Fireworks lit up the words Viva Tony and we all sang Summertime together."

Cherie also said she sees little of her husband, who is now an ambassador for peace in the Middle East.

She said: "We certainly see a lot less of each other. When you are Prime Minister you have a 24-hour-a-day job, seven days a week, so you can't leave the country for long.

"Now he is away for up to 10 days at a time.

"He came back for Leo's first Holy Communion and now he is back in the Middle East and next week we will be in Yale together when our son Euan graduates."

Cherie also revealed how she was given a barbecue by Prince Philip after a visit to the royal family's Scottish residence at Balmoral.

"The first time we went there Prince Philip saw how interested I was in the barbecue and he very kindly gave us one. I can't wait to use it in our country home."