Introduction:
Cliff Richard has admitted speculation about his sexuality hurt his family – but insists gay rumours “don’t matter” to him.
The 73-year-old singer spoke only of female relationships in his 2008 autobiography My Life, My Way, but said he had never found “the right time” to get married in a revealing new interview.
Speaking on Australian TV show A Current Affair he tackled the questions surrounding his private life.
Asked if the gossip about his sexual orientation hurt him, the chart-topping star replied: “No. It did when I was young. It hurt my family a lot, of course. But who cares?
“It doesn’t really matter to me any more. I have got gay friends. Most people have gay friends. If I was gay would it make any difference? Would you not come to my concerts because I was gay? I hope not.”
Rumours about Cliff’s private life have dogged him for decades. A relationship he has with John McElynn, a former priest who looks after his homes in Britain, Barbados and Portugal, has fuelled the speculation.
In a previous interview, Cliff revealed that the pair became close about eight years ago and he asked Mr McElynn to become his travelling companion.
But before that Cliff was linked to a number of women including actress Olivia Newton John, TV host Sue Barker and Una Stubbs.
He also had a relationship with Carol Costa in the late fifties and one biography on Cliff claims she is the only woman he had made love to. He also cried when she got married.
And in 1964 fans commented on the great chemistry between Cliff and Susan Hampshire in 1964 film Wonderful life.
In 2011, Grease star Olivia described him as “an important man” in her life and Cliff has previously said he was “in love” with her when she was engaged to another man.
Asked at the weekend on TV whether his friendship with Olivia Newton John could ever have led to marriage, he replied: “Let’s face it, we all loved Olivia. She had that effect.
“When she came on to do my TV show, we invited her [to appear] for one week, but she was there for about eight.”
Cliff, who has now sold more than 250m records around the world, added that he had never wanted the responsibility of having a wife and family.
He said: “I just didn’t get married. I never felt that it was the right time. I can do the things I want to do. I can go and meet my fans all over the world.
“I don’t have a responsibility because I always felt that marriage would be the major responsibility of your life, and if a child came along, a multi-major responsibility. No getting out of that one.”
In his autobiography Sir Cliff, a poster boy for the Christian faith, also defended his decision to remain a bachelor.
In the book, titled My Life, My Way, he said: “People often make the mistake of thinking that only marriage equals happiness.
“I may suddenly meet someone and feel differently, but right now I am not sure marriage would enhance my happiness.”
Sir Cliff also addressed his continued youthful looks on Aussie TV, which have earned him the title the Peter Pan of pop, and said his appearance could be down to “extreme good luck” because he has never undergone plastic surgery.
He said: “When people say to me, have you had anything done, I say yes, I had these lines put in because I wanted to look older.
“I did try Botox but that didn’t really work for me. I’ve seen people with Botox – they look fantastic.”
The Mistletoe and Wine star added that he is proud that he never adopted the lifestyle of a traditional rock and roll star: “I’ve never wanted to trash a hotel room.”