The British are prejudiced against opera, according to the outgoing head of the Royal Opera House, who has drawn a parallel between the nation’s musical tastes and its former love of Blue Nun.

Just as British consumers once had terrible taste in wine but eventually learned to like the good stuff, so they can develop an appreciation of Verdi and Puccini, according to Kasper Holten.

At the launch of an exhibition staged by the V&A in collaboration with the Royal Opera House, Holten said he hoped Britain would embrace the art form.

“If you look at how people talked about wine in this country 25 years ago, and how they now talk with knowledge, with care, with passion - I think there can be changes,” he said.