There's some good news for Sir Cliff Richard as he prepares to set off on his 75th birthday concert tour, with reports that South Yorkshire Police are dropping one of their three investigations into allegations against him of historical sex abuse.
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Although the police have refused to provide what they call a "running commentary" and say that "investigations are continuing", the Sunday Times reported yesterday that a close friend of the singer revealed one of the three lines of inquiry surrounding Sir Cliff had been dropped, with a friend of the singer claiming he has been able to provide evidence that discredited the accompanying claims.
Cliff Richard recently attended the Liverpool funeral of his close friend Cilla Black
The Sunday Times added that Sir Cliff was understood to have provided police with evidence that he was never alone with two men who allege that he assaulted them in separate incidents in the 1980s. “Cliff has given police evidence that he was never on his own on the days when the alleged attacks took place,” the friend was quoted as saying.
Last week, broadcaster Paul Gambaccini revealed that Cliff was going through the same process as himself in waiting for the police investigations to come to end, but that he prays for his accusers in the meantime.
Paul, who has recently penned a memoir of his own experience of a year facing police investigations that were eventually dropped, told BBC Radio 5 Live that Cliff is "a wonderful human being", and "anger is not his main response" to the allegations, over which he has not faced any charges, nor been arrested.
The music writer and broadcaster also called Cliff a generous and religious man, and revealed a conversation where he told the singer they could not insult their accusers because they didn't know their state of mind.
According to Paul, Cliff replied, "I have been praying to God to forgive my accuser."
And Paul added to the radio station, "If Cliff Richard is ever convicted of any criminal offence, I will eat mine, Paddy Ashdown and Alastair Campbell's hats."
Still singing - Cliff Richard at 75
Cliff is preparing to embark on a 75th birthday concert tour, which kicks off on Saturday in Killarney and moves across the UK until his last gig at the Royal Albert Hall on 18 November, and he's also releasing a brand new song 'Golden'.
He recently told Paul O'Grady on his radio show that the song was about the enduring loyalty he's enjoyed from fans, through the years when love affairs are less enduring.
He said of the track, "It's saying love affairs don't last forever, but you and I, we've stood side by side through the storms together and all through the years, you have been golden.
"Never mind the gold records, the public have been golden, and so it’s a very emotional song to sing."
The veteran singer has barely visited the UK since the news of the investigation was broken by the BBC in August 2014 months ago, who reported that police had raided his home in Sunningdale, Berkshire. An inquiry later found that the police force had caused unnecessary distress to the singer with these actions, made without informing him, and he later sold the property.
Last month, he paid a special visit to attend and sing at the Liverpool funeral of his close friend Cilla Black.
Cliff Richard Through The Years
BRITAIN QUEEN JUBILEE(01 of121)
Britain's Queen Elizabeth meets, from second left, Ricky Martin, Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Cliff Richard, and Andrea Corr, and other performers on stage in the gardens of Buckingham Palace Monday June 3, 2002, after the second concert to commemorate her Golden Jubilee. (AP Photo/Stefan Rousseau/PA/WPA Rota) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Wimbledon Tennis(02 of121)
Singer Cliff Richard, center, waits for play to resume on Centre Court after light rain suspended the match between Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland and Li Na of China in a Women's singles quarterfinal match at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships in Wimbledon, London, Tuesday, July 2, 2013. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Germany Concert Cliff Richard(03 of121)
British singer Cliff Richard performs on stage during the first show of his European tour 'Still Reelin' And A-Rockin' at the o2-Arena in Hamburg, Germany, Tuesday, May 13, 2014. (AP Photo/dpa, Markus Scholz) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Day Ten: The Championships - Wimbledon 2014(04 of121)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 03: Cliff Richard in the royal box to watch the Petra Kvitova of Czech Republic against Lucie Safarova of Czech Republic Ladies' Singles semi-final match on day ten of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 3, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) (credit:Matthew Stockman via Getty Images)
Celebrities Attend The Wimbledon Championships(05 of121)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 01: Cliff Richard attends the Angelique Kerber v Maria Sharapova match on centre court during day eight of the Wimbledon Championships at Wimbledon on July 1, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage) (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
Celebrity Sightings In London - June 30, 2014(06 of121)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 30: Sir Cliff Richard seen arriving at Wimbledon on June 30, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Neil P. Mockford/GC Images) (credit:Neil P. Mockford via Getty Images)
Celebrities Visit SiriusXM Studios - June 25, 2014(07 of121)
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 25: Musician Sir Cliff Richard visits the SiriusXM Studios on June 25, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images) (credit:Ilya S. Savenok via Getty Images)
Cliff Richard Performs At Bord Gais Energy Theatre, Dublin(08 of121)
DUBLIN, IRELAND - JUNE 07: Cliff Richard performs at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre on June 7, 2014 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Phillip Massey/WireImage) (credit:Phillip Massey via Getty Images)
Horse Racing - The Crabbie's Grand National 2014 - Grand National Day - Aintree Racecourse(09 of121)
Sir Cliff Richard during Grand National Day of the Crabbie's Grand National 2014 Festival at Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool. (credit:David Davies/PA Wire)
Tennis - 2014 Wimbledon Championships - Day Nine - The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club(10 of121)
Sir Cliff Richard arrives during day nine of the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Wimbledon. (credit:Anthony Devlin/PA Wire)
Dream holiday for ill children(11 of121)
Sir Cliff Richard performs a revised version of his song Summer Holiday over the PA system onboard the British Airways Dreamflight plane before it flies to Florida, USA. (credit:Steve Parsons/PA Archive)
Dream holiday for ill children(12 of121)
Sir Cliff Richard poses with a crew member of the British Airways Dreamflight plane before it flies to Florida, USA. (credit:Steve Parsons/PA Archive)
Dream holiday for ill children(13 of121)
Sir Cliff Richard meets Tegan Badger-Osmond (left) from Swansea and Connie Taylor-Bates from Worcester before boarding the British Airways Dreamflight plane before it flies to Florida, USA. (credit:Steve Parsons/PA Archive)
Tennis - 2013 Wimbledon Championships - Day Ten - The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club(14 of121)
Sir Cliff Richard in the royal box during day ten of the Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Wimbledon. (credit:Adam Davy/PA Archive)
The Hampton Court Music Festival 2013 - London(15 of121)
Cliff Richard performs live at the Hampton Court Music Festival in London. (credit:John Rahim/EMPICS Entertainment)
Britain Queen's Jubilee Concert(16 of121)
Sir Cliff Richard, centre, performs at the Queen's Jubilee Concert in front of Buckingham Palace, London, Monday, June 4, 2012. The concert is a part of four days of celebrations to mark the 60 year reign of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo/Joel Ryan) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Chelsea Flower Show(17 of121)
British singer Cliff Richard reacts as he poses in the Barbados Horticultural Society's 'Summer Holiday' display during the Chelsea Flower Show in London, Monday, May 21, 2012. (AP Photo/Sang Tan) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Cliff Richard with Cilla Black(18 of121)
Pop singer Cilla Black counts votes with singer Cliff Richard for Britain's "Song For Europe", in Shepherd's Bush, London, England, March 8, 1968. (AP Photo) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
England Cliff Richard with Susan Hampshire(19 of121)
British pop singer Cliff Richard films British actress Susan Hampshire in England on Oct. 14, 1963. Susan will be the leading lady in Cliff's new film "Wonderful Life". (AP Photo/Bob Dear) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Cliff Richard(20 of121)
British pop singer Cliff Richard in October 1980, who at the age of 40, has now completed more than 20 years as a leading figure on the British pop music scene. He is currently engaged in a series of sell-out performance around the London area. (AP Photo/John Glanvill) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Cliff Richard with Cilla Black(21 of121)
Pop singer Cilla Black counts votes with singer Cliff Richard for Britain's "Song For Europe", in Shepherd's Bush, London, England, March 8, 1968. (AP Photo) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
BRITAIN CLIFF RICHARD(22 of121)
British singer Cliff Richard poses for photographers at a photo call promotion celebrating his 50th anniversary in the music industry in London, Friday, Dec. 5, 2008. (AP Photo/MJ Kim) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
BRITAIN DIANA ANNIVERSARY(23 of121)
British singer Cliff Richard arrives for the thanksgiving service for Diana, Princess of Wales at the chapel in Wellington Barracks near Buckingham Palace in London, Friday Aug. 31, 2007. The princess died in a car crash in Paris 10 years ago. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
BRITAIN NARNIA FILM PREMIERE(24 of121)
Singer Sir Cliff Richard arrives for the World Premiere of the film, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, at the Rpyal Albert Hall, London, Wednesday Dec. 7, 2005.(AP Photo/ Max Nash) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
MUSIC CMA AWARDS(25 of121)
British recording artist Sir Cliff Richard arrives for the 39th Annual Country Music Association Awards in New York on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2005. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Cliff Richard Performs At L'Olympia In Paris(26 of121)
PARIS, FRANCE - JUNE 02: Cliff Richard performs at L'Olympia on June 2, 2014 in Paris, France. (Photo by David Wolff - Patrick/Redferns via Getty Images) (credit:David Wolff - Patrick via Getty Images)
Sir Cliff Richard photocall - London(27 of121)
Sir Cliff Richard during a photocall at Gilgamesh in London to announce details of his new album. (credit:Suzan/Suzan)
Sir Cliff Richard photocall - London(28 of121)
Sir Cliff Richard at a photocall with producers David Gest (left) and Lamont Dozier (right) at Gilgamesh in London to announce details of his new album. (credit:Suzan/Suzan)
Cliff Richard and The Shadows DVD Signing - London(29 of121)
Sir Cliff Richard (left) and the Shadows (from left) Hank Marvin, Bruce Welch and Brian Bennett at HMV Oxford Street to sign copies of their new DVD of greatest hits, The Final Reunion. (credit:Fiona Hanson/PA Archive)
Cliff Richard and The Shadows DVD Signing - London(30 of121)
Cliff Richard,at Cliff Richard and The Shadows,DVD Signing at HMV,Oxford Circus, London (credit:Suzan/Suzan)
Celebs leaving the Royal Variety Performance - London(31 of121)
Sir Cliff Richard seen leaving the Royal Variety Performance at the Palladium Theatre in London. (credit:Roy Catherall/Roy Catherall)
Celebs leaving the Royal Variety Performance - London(32 of121)
Sir Cliff Richard seen leaving the Royal Variety Performance at the Palladium Theatre in London. (credit:Roy Catherall/Roy Catherall)
Sir Cliff Richard DVD Launch - London(33 of121)
Sir Cliff Richard at the launch of his 'Time Machine Tour DVD' at Quo Vadis in Soho, central London. (credit:M6004Y/EMPICS Entertainment)
Sir Cliff Richard DVD Launch - London(34 of121)
Sir Cliff Richard at the launch of his 'Time Machine Tour DVD' at Quo Vadis in Soho, central London. (credit:Yui Mok/PA Archive)
British Airways' Dreamflight(35 of121)
Sir Cliff Richard signs autographs at Heathrow before a British Airways jumbo jet taking nearly 200 seriously ill and disabled children on a Dreamflight to Florida takes off. (credit:Lewis Whyld/PA Archive)
Sir Cliff Richard Reunites with Co-Stars(36 of121)
Sir Cliff Richard with cast members Teddy Green and Jeremy Bulloch during the unveiling of a commemorative plaque in honour of Sir Cliff Richard at Elstree Studios. (credit:Anthony Upton/PA Archive)
Cliff Richards' 50th Anniversary Lunch(37 of121)
Sir Cliff Richard signs autographs for fans as he arrives for his 50th Anniversary Tribute Lunch, at The Dorchester Hotel, W1, London (credit:Fiona Hanson/PA Archive)
Princess Diana Memorial Service - London(38 of121)
Sir Cliff Richard attending the Memorial Service for Princess Diana at Wellington Barracks, Westminster, London. (credit:G6010C/EMPICS Entertainment)
Tennis - Wimbledon Championships 2007 - Day Eight - All England Club(39 of121)
Sir Cliff Richard watches the action from the Royal Box (credit:Mike Egerton/EMPICS Sport)
Cliff Richard unveils a plaque of his handprints in the Square of Fame at Wembley Arena - London(40 of121)
Cliff Richard unveils a plaque of his handprints in Wembleys Square of Fame, at the heart of Quintain Estates and Development PLCs Wembley regeneration project in London, November 9, 2006. Cliff, who has made a record breaking 58 appearances at Wembley Arena is the second entrant into the Square of Fame, in Arena Square. The concept of the Square of Fame was inspired by Hollywoods famous Walk of Fame and will include a strictly limited number of plaques incorporating the handprint, footprint or signature of iconic music stars. (credit:Suzan/Suzan)
Cliff Richard and Susan Hampshire(41 of121)
Dresses up as a Foreign Legion officer, Cliff Richard goes through a scene with Susan Hampshire for their musical ?Wonderful Life,? being shot on location in Las Palmas, in the Canary Islands in December 1963. Susan is wearing a dark wig for her part as a slave girl in a film within the film. (AP Photo) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
MUSIC CMA AWARDS(42 of121)
British recording artist Sir Cliff Richard arrives for the 39th Annual Country Music Association Awards in New York on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2005. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
SHOWBIZ Mills(43 of121)
Sir Cliff Richard unveiling a Blue Heritage Foundation Plaque to the late Sir John Mills at his former home in Denham, Buckinghamshire as actress Sylvia Simms looks on Sunday 9 April 2006. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo Photo credit should read: Michael Stephens/PA (credit:Michael Stephens/PA Archive)
SHOWBIZ Tennis(44 of121)
Sir Cliff Richard at the Cliff Richard Tennis Classic, a charity tennis tournament, which is held at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham, Saturday December 17, 2005. This is the final tennis Classic which Sir Cliff will hold. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Photo credit should read: Steve Parsons/PA. (credit:Steve Parsons/PA Archive)
Sir Cliff Richard at Wimbledon(45 of121)
Pop star Sir Cliff Richard shows his support for veteran disc jockey Tony Blackburn after he was suspended by his radio station for playing Sir Cliff's records. Classic Gold has banned the songs from their playlist. Sir Ciff has been enjoying the tennis at The Lawn Tennis Championships in Wimbledon, London. EDITORIAL USE ONLY, NO MOBILE PHONE USE. (credit:Andrew Parsons/PA Archive)
Sir Cliff Richard accepts Foundation Presidency(46 of121)
Sir Cliff Richard during a reception to accept Life Presidency of The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in Hyde Park, west London. Sir Cliff holds a crown given to his late friend Roy by the public at Liverpool Lime Street as the city adopted him as the peoples' king during his battle with lung cancer. (credit:Andy Butterton/PA Archive)
Sir Cliff Richard(47 of121)
Sir Cliff Richard arrives at a reception hosted by Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh at Buckingham, London, which aims to pay tribute to more than 400 pioneers of British Life. (credit:PA/PA Archive)
Cliff Richard and Cilla Black at Wimbledon(48 of121)
EDITORIAL USE ONLY, NO MOBILE PHONE USE. Sir Cliff Richard and Cilla Black share ajoke as they sit in the royal box watching Venus Williams in action against fellow American Lindsay Davenport in the ladies quarter finals at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon. (credit:Nick Potts/PA Archive)
Cliff Richard and Petula Clark Gold Badge of Merit (49 of121)
Sir Cliff Richard and Petula Clark receive the Gold Badge of Merit during the 29th Annual Gold Badge Awards, presented by the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters, at The Savoy Hotel in Central London. (credit:Andy Butterton/PA Archive)
Mike Read as Sir Cliff Richard(50 of121)
Jimmy Jemain (L) and Mike Read during rehearsal for Cliff - The Musical at the Prince of Wales Theatre in central London. Former Radio One dj Mike Read is cast in the role of Sir Cliff Richard. Ricky Aron, * .. Miles Guerrini and Jimmy Jemain are cast as the other 'Cliffs' at various stages of his career. (credit:Myung Jung Kim/PA Archive)
Wimbledon Steffi and Cliff(51 of121)
EDITORIAL USE ONLY, NOT FOR USE ON MOBILE PHONES Sir Cliff Richard and former Wimbledon champion Steffi Graff watch Steffi's husband Andre Agassi in action on Centre Court against Britain's Jamie Delgado at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships in Wimbledon. (credit:Nick Potts/PA Archive)
CLIFF RICHARD IN CONCERT AT THE LONDON ARENA(52 of121)
Cliff Richard in concert at the London Arena (credit:Simon Meaker/EMPICS Entertainment)
Tennis - Wimbledon 2002 - First Round(53 of121)
Sir Cliff Richard watches play on the centre court (credit:Mike Egerton/EMPICS Sport)
Royalty - Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee(54 of121)
Barbara Windsor and Cliff Richard on a float during the Queen's Golden Jubilee parade. (credit:Stefan Rousseau/PA Archive)
royal concert(55 of121)
Will Young, Ozzy Osbourne, Emma Bunting, Tom Jones and Sir Cliff Richard, backstage in the gardens of Buckingham Palace Monday June 3, 2002, for the second concert to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II. (credit:Arron Hess / allaction.co.uk /Arron Hess)
Royalty - Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee(56 of121)
Sir Cliff Richard parades down the Mall during Golden Jubilee celebrations for Britain's Queen Elizabeth II. *23/02/04: Sir Cliff Richard who has been crowned the UK's Ultimate Pop Star as the biggest selling artist of all time. He came out ahead of The Beatles and Elvis Presley for selling more singles in the UK than any other artist in the past 50 years. Sunday night's Channel 4 show, The Ultimate Pop Star, crowned Madonna the top female artist. (credit:Myung Jung Kim/PA Archive)
Harry Potter Premiere (57 of121)
Singer Sir Cliff Richard (left) and TV presenter Graham Norton arrive for world premiere of 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone at the Odeon Leicester Square in London. (credit:William Conran/PA Archive)
London Cliff Richard & Redgrave(58 of121)
Olympic Gold Medal rower Sir Steve Redgrave (left) and singer Sir Cliff Richard after they each received their Great Briton's Tie Award from the Guild of British Tie Makers, at the Dorchester Hotel in London. (credit:Yui Mok/PA Archive)
Farrar & Richard(59 of121)
NO COMMERCIAL USE: Singer Sir Cliff Richard with guest Pat Farrar watch the Justine Henin of Belgium verses Jennifer Capriati of USA Semi Final match of the Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, London. (credit:Rebecca Naden/PA Archive)
Dando Cliff Richard(60 of121)
Singer Cliff Richard (left) and TV presenter Gloria Hunniford leave by coach from the Charity Gala Dinner and Auction in memory of murdered TV presenter Jill Dando at the Winter Gardens in Weston-super-Mare. (credit:Barry Batchelor/PA Archive)
Charity tennis Cliff & Sue(61 of121)
Singer Sir Cliff Richard, and former British tennis star and television sports presenter Sue Barker, at The London Arena in Docklands, for the York tennis challenge cup for the charity Children in Crisis. (credit:Sean Dempsey/PA Archive)
Hampton/Dando rose/Cliff/ Gloria(62 of121)
Sir Cliff Richard and Gloria Hunniford with a Jill Dando rose at the Hampton Court Flower Show, London. The roses, named after the TV presenter who was murdered 26/04/99 outside her Fulham home, are being sold in aid of the British Heart Foundation. (credit:Tim Ockenden/PA Archive)
PA NEWS PHOTO 9/12/97 SINGER CLIFF RICHARD PERFORMS DURING THE HALLELUJAH CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT THE LONDON ARENA. THE CHARITY RA...(63 of121)
PA NEWS PHOTO 9/12/97 SINGER CLIFF RICHARD PERFORMS DURING THE HALLELUJAH CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT THE LONDON ARENA. THE CHARITY RAISES FUNDS AND AWARENESS FOR CHILDREN IN CRISIS AND PROVIDE HELP AND RELIEF TO FORGOTTEN CHILDREN IN MANY PARTS OF THE WORLD. ON 26/2/98 IT WAS ANNOUNCED THAT THE VETERAN SINGER, WHO HAS SOLD MORE THAN 250 MILLION RECORDS, IS TO CELEBRATE THE 40TH ANNIVERARY OF HIS RECORDING CAREER (1998) WITH 20 MUSICAL SHOWS, AT LONDON'S ROYAL ALBERT HALL, WITH THE ROYAL PHILHARMONIC CONCERT ORCHESTRA. SEE PA STORY SHOWBIZ Cliff. IT WAS ANNOUNCED ON 27/2/98 THAT HE WOULD BE ONE OF THE STARS PERFORMING AT A TRIBUTE CONCERT FOR DIANA, PRINCESS OF WALES, IN JUNE 1998. SE PA STORY DIANA Concert. (credit:SEAN DEMPSEY/PA Archive)
WIMB Cliff/Ward(64 of121)
Sir Cliff Richard dances with Corporal Lorna Ward on Centre Court this afternoon (Wednesday) after rain stopped play. Photo by Adam Butler. Watch for PA story. (credit:Adam Butler/PA Archive)
Cliff & Hobson Heathcliffe(65 of121)
Sir Cliff Richard, star of the forthcoming stage show 'Heathcliffe' with co-star Helen Hobson (centre left) and fans at the NEC Birmingham. The show has its UK premiere at the NEC in October 1996. * 02/06/01: The ex-fiance of TV presenter Jill Dando is involved in a new relationship, it was reported. Gynaecologist Alan Farthing was introduced to actress Helen Hobson by Ms Dando's friend Sir Cliff Richard, the Sunday Mirror said. Mr Farthing issued a statement confirming their relationship after photographs were taken of the couple at Miss Hobson's home. (credit:David Jones/PA Archive)
AWARDS Cliff/Turner/Day(66 of121)
EMBARGOED: NOT FOR PUBLICATION BEFORE 1500 hrs, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6: Anthea Turner receives kisses from Sir Cliff Richard (left) and Darren Day after she was named as the Variety Club of Great Britain's Showbuiness Personality of the Year, in London today (Tuesday). Sir Cliff received the Bernard Delfont Award for Outstanding Contribution to Showbusiness and Mr Day was presented with the Sir James Carreras Award for Outstanding New Talent. Photo by Adam Butler/PA. (credit:Adam Butler/PA Archive)
Tennis-Wimbledon 96(67 of121)
03-JUL-96 ... Wimbledon 96 ... Cliff Richard entertains the crowds during the rain on centre court (credit:Laurence Griffiths/EMPICS Sport)
Cliff Richard at Buckingham Palace(68 of121)
Pop's Bachelor Boy Cliff Richard arrives at Buckingham Palace today (Wednesday) to receive his knighthood from the Queen. (credit:Sean Dempsey/PA Archive)
SIR CLIFF RICHARD AT PALACE(69 of121)
Singer Cliff Richard outside Buckingham Palace today (Wednesday). The Peter Pan of pop picked up his knighthood from the Queen and pledged to keep on rocking after 37 years in the business. Although Sir Cliff Richard has visited the Queen many times before he said today's visit was one of his greatest moments. And he chuckled after opening the medal box to find it inscribed 'Knight Bachelor'. (credit:John Stillwell/PA Archive)
PA NEWS PHOTO 28/3/95 CLIFFF RICHARD IS ENJOYING HIS WINTER HOLIDAY WHILST SKIING IN LECH, AUSTRIA AT THE SAME TIME AS THE PRI...(70 of121)
PA NEWS PHOTO 28/3/95 CLIFFF RICHARD IS ENJOYING HIS WINTER HOLIDAY WHILST SKIING IN LECH, AUSTRIA AT THE SAME TIME AS THE PRINCESS OF WALES AND HER SONS THE TWO PRINCES WILLIAM AND HARRY. (credit:ADAM BUTLER/PA Archive)
Joy to the World Celebration of Christmas - Royal Albert Hall(71 of121)
Pop star Cliff Richard (left) and actor Anthony Andrews (holding a Pink Panther) at the Joy to the World Celebration of Christmas, at the Royal Albert Hall, sponsored by IBM PC in aid of a selection of charities. (credit:Tony Harris/PA Archive)
Diana Princess of Wales - London's Royal School of Music(72 of121)
The Princess of Wales meets Cliff Richard at the London's Royal School of Music after she and her two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, attended the annual 'Joy to the World' Christmas spectacular at the Royal Albert Hall. The Hospital's cancer appeal was the main beneficiary of the Christmas spectacular, which raised 125,000. Stars at the concert included Cliff Richard, Hannah Gordon, Paul Scofield, Prunella Scales, Penelope Keith and Anthony Andrews. The Hospital in seeking funds to rebuild and extend its facilities for the treatment and study of cancer at its sites in Chelsea and Sutton, Surrey. (credit:Martin Keene/PA Archive)
Charity - Sahara Drive - Bob Hoskins - London(73 of121)
Singer Cliff Richard helps film star Bob Hoskins plan his route across the Sahara desert, outside the House of Lords in London before setting off for a long charity drive to Southern Algeria. Mr Hoskins is among 40 drivers making the journey in 15 Land Rovers and London taxi to raise money for Saharawi refugees forced into exile by the annexation of the Western Sahara by Morocco. (credit:PA/PA Archive)
Tennis - Federation Cup - Opening Ceremony - Nottingham(74 of121)
The Princess of Wales (Diana) with Virginia Wade (second left) and Cliff Richard sharing a joke (credit:PA/PA Archive)
Religion - Billy Graham and Cliff Richard - Westminster Central Hall, London(75 of121)
American evangelist Billy Graham is joined by pop star Cliff Richard at the Ministers and Leaders Meeting at Westminster Central Hall. (credit:PA/PA Archive)
Music - Cliff Richard - Wembley Stadium(76 of121)
Evergreen pop star Cliff Richard at Wembley Stadium where on the 16th June 1989 he celebrated 30 years of stardom with a special concert billed as 'Cliff Richard the Event. It was the first time the legend played Wembley Stadium. (credit:PA/PA Archive)
Entertainment - Dame Vera Lynn Variety Club Lunch - Savoy Hotel, London(77 of121)
Cliff Richard with Dame Vera Lynn during a Variety Club lunch in her honour at the Savoy Hotel, London. (credit:PA/PA Archive)
The Potting Shed Rehearsals - Sadler's Wells Theatre(78 of121)
Working against the clock to beat another crisis for the play The Potting Shed, are Cliff Richard and Katleen Harrison - television's MrsThursday - seen rehearsing at Sadler's Wells Theatre. Kathleen is a last minute replacement for Constance Fraser who collapsed with a heart attack. (credit:PA/PA Archive)
Entertainment - Una Stubbs, Cliff Richard and Hank Marvin - Heathrow Airport(79 of121)
Una Stubbs leaps over a bollard at Heathrow Airport, with the assistance of fellow entertainers Hank Marvin, left, and Cliff Richard. The three were about to leave for Lapland, where they will film a BBC Television spectacular. (credit:PA/PA Archive)
Music - Eurovision Song Contest - 1970(80 of121)
Cliff Richard and Mary Hopkin take lightly the chore of counting votes in London for the British entry in the Eurovision Song Contest in Amsterdam. Mary sang six entries on the Cliff Richard BBC TV show and viewers were asked to vote for the song they preferred for the show. (credit:PA/PA Archive)
Cliff Richard(81 of121)
PA Photo 4/12/68 Cliff Richard cuts through the World's Largest Christmas Pudding at the Carlton Tower in London to be distributed to the Mental Health Trust for patients and hospitals throughout the country (credit:PA/PA Archive)
Music - Cliff Richard and The Shadows(82 of121)
Cliff Richard and The Shadows celebrate ten years at the top.They first came to the for in 1958 and have since then they has won 5 gold discs, 21 silver discs. (l-r) John Rostill, Brian Bennett, Cliff Richard, Hank Marvin and Bruce Welch. (credit:Sport and General/S&G and Barratts)
Music - Cliff Richard and The Shadows(83 of121)
Singer Cliff Richard celebrates ten years at the top.He first came to the for in 1958 when his first record was issued following a talent show. Since then he has won 5 gold discs, 21 silver discs. (credit:Sport and General/S&G and Barratts)
SHOWBIZ Eurovision(84 of121)
File photo dated 04/03/68 of Cliff Richard rehearsing for the Eurovision Song Contest. (credit:PA/PA Archive)
Music - Cliff Richard - 1966(85 of121)
Pop singer, Cliff Richard, wearing glasses, taking a break from rehearsals for his appearance at 'The Talk of the Town'. (credit:PA/PA Archive)
Religion - Billy Graham and Cliff Richard - Goldhawk Studios, Shepherd's Bush, London(86 of121)
American evangelist Billy Graham talking to pop star Cliff Richard (r) during a visit to the set of Cliff's new film "Two A Penny" at Goldhawk Studios, Shepherd's Bush, London. Cliff has his first major dramatic role in the film, with Dora Bryan playing as his mother. Dr Graham will make a guest appearance in a sequence filmed during his 1966 Greater London Crusade at Earl's Court. (credit:PA/PA Archive)
Religion - Billy Graham with Cliff Richard - Goldhawk Studios, Shepherd's Bush, London(87 of121)
American evangelist Billy Graham gets a window view of stars Ann Holloway (l), Dora Bryan and Cliff Richard during his visit to the set of the film "Two A Penny" at Goldhawk Studios, Shepherd's Bush, London. Pop star Cliff has his first major dramatic role in the film, with Dora Bryan playing as his mother. Dr Graham will make a guest appearance in a sequence filmed during his 1966 Greater London Crusade at Earl's Court. (credit:PA/PA Archive)
Commonwealth Trust(88 of121)
Pop singer Cliff Richard takes a cleaver to a giant Christmas pudding (credit:S&G/S&G and Barratts)
Theatre - Cliff Richard(89 of121)
Cliff Richard relaxes in his dressing room at the London Palladium where he is currently playing the role of Aladdin in the seasons smash hit pantomime. (credit:Tophams/Topham Picturepoint)
Princess has a word with Cliff at the premiere(90 of121)
Princess Alexandra of Kent chatting to Cliff Richard before the world premiere of his new film "Wonderful Life" at the Empire Theatre, Leicester Square. (credit:PA/PA Archive)
Cliff Richard(91 of121)
Pop singer Cliff Richard, during rehearsals at his home. (credit:PA/PA Archive)
Music - Cliff Richard(92 of121)
Singer Cliff Richard during rehearsals at his home. (credit:PA/PA Archive)
Cliff Richard(93 of121)
Singer Cliff Richard. (credit:PA/PA Archive)
CLIFF RICHARD(94 of121)
PA NEWS PHOTO 20/2/63 A LIBRARY PHOTO OF SINGER CLIFF RICHARD DURING REHEARSALS AT HIS HOME (credit:PA/PA Archive)
Entertainment - Cliff Richard(95 of121)
Cliff Richard greets his mother Dorothy Webb with a kiss as she met him at London Airport when he returned from South Africa. (credit:Tophams/Topham Picturepoint)
Entertainment - Cliff Richard(96 of121)
Singer Cliff Richard is greeted by his mother Dorothy Webb on his arrival at London Airport after his tour of South Africa. (credit:PA/PA Archive)
Music - Cliff Richard and Rudi Carrell(97 of121)
Cliff Richard and Rudi Carrell listen to records. (credit:Tophams/Topham Picturepoint)
Cliff Richard(98 of121)
Singer-actor Cliff Richard, who turns bus driver in his new film musical "Summer Holiday", gives the thumbs up from the drivers cab of one of London's double deckers. (credit:PA/PA Archive)
Entertainment - Variety Club of Great Britain Lunch - London(99 of121)
Singer Helen Shapiro, and actress Rita Tushingham, who share the 1961 'Most Promising Newcomer' award, with singer Cliff Richard with his 'Show Business Personality 1961' award, at the Variety Club of Great Britain lunch. (credit:PA/PA Archive)
Music - Cliff Richard - Heathrow Airport(100 of121)
Cliff Richard taking a photograph of his mother Dorothy Webb at Heathrow Airport. (credit:Tophams/Topham Picturepoint)
Entertainment - Cliff Richard and The Shadows(101 of121)
Cliff Richard in an early concert with The Shadows (credit:Tophams/Topham Picturepoint)
Entertainment - Cliff Richard - Sister's Wedding(102 of121)
Singer Cliff Richard (left) and an unidentified friend, shield the almost fainting bride, Donella Webb (sister of Cliff Richard) (18) from the frenzied fans of Cliff, prior to her wedding. (credit:Tophams/Topham Picturepoint)
Entertainment - Cliff Richard Sister's Wedding - Waltham Abbey(103 of121)
All eyes on Bride's famous brother, singer Cliff Richard (left) and an unidentified friend, shield the almost fainting bride, Donella Webb (18) (sister of Cliff Richard) from the frenzied fans of Cliff, prior to her wedding. Donella wed twenty year old Paul Stevens and Cliff gave the bride away. (credit:Tophams/Topham Picturepoint)
Entertainment - Cliff Richard(104 of121)
The Young Ones starring Cliff Richard (credit:Tophams/Topham Picturepoint)
Entertainment - Wedding of Cliff Richard's Sister - London - 1961(105 of121)
Singer Cliff Richard with his 18 year old sister Donella Webb as he was about to escort her from home in Colne Road, Winchmore Hill, London, for her wedding at Waltham Abbey. Miss Webb was being married to Paul Stevens. (credit:PA/PA Archive)
Music - Cliff Richard Silver Disc - EMI House, London(106 of121)
Pop singer Cliff Richard at EMI House, Manchester Square, London, where he received a Silver Disc, awarded for his record 'I Love You'. (credit:PA/PA Archive)
Entertainment - Massive Christmas Pudding - Cadby Hall, London(107 of121)
Comedian Charlie Drake, left, directing a long cold jet of soda-water at pop singer Cliff Richard at Cadby Hall, London, when they started to mix a giant 160 pound Christmas pudding. The ingredients for the pudding are a gift of the dried fruit growers of Australia to the old people of the City of London. (credit:PA/PA Archive)
Entertainment - Cliff Richard and family(108 of121)
Singer Cliff Richard and his sister Jacqueline, aged 13, Joan, aged 10 and his mother, at London Airport ready to fly to Southern Spain to have Christmas dinner on beach at Torremolinos. (credit:Tophams/Topham Picturepoint)
Music - Cliff Richard - Heathrow Airport(109 of121)
Cliff Richard signing an autograph for a girl at Heathrow Airport, where he was en route to Spain with his family (credit:PA/PA Archive)
The National Radio Show at Earls Court - London - 1960(110 of121)
Cliff Richard, singing idol of teenagers, at the ATV electronics organ with Angela Bracewell of Formby, lancs, hostess of "Beat the Clock", Janet Mohoney of Highbury and Loretta Stephen of Brighton, two of the four "Beat the Clock" Girls (credit:Sport & General/S&G and Barratts)
Entertainment - Massive Christmas Pudding - Cadby Hall, London(111 of121)
With currants falling like rain, Comedian Charlie Drake, left, and pop singer Cliff Richard mix a massive 160 pound Christmas pudding at Cadby Hall, London. The ingredients for the pudding are a gift of the dried fruit growers of Australia to the old people of the City of London. (credit:PA/PA Archive)
Music - Cliff Richard - Heathrow Airport(112 of121)
Nineteen year old singing star Cliff Richard gives his sister Joan a farewell hug at Heathrow Airport as he was about to board a Pan American Clipper for New York. (credit:PA/PA Archive)
Entertainment - Cliff Richard(113 of121)
Singer Cliff Richard and his sister Joan, aged 10 at London Airport to see him off to New York. (credit:Tophams/Topham Picturepoint)
Music - Cliff Richard - Heathrow Airport, London(114 of121)
Singing star Cliff Richard at Heathrow Airport as he was about to board a plane for New York. (credit:PA/PA Archive)
Entertainment - Cliff Richard(115 of121)
Singer Cliff Richard on stage (credit:Tophams/Topham Picturepoint)
Entertainment - Cliff Richard(116 of121)
Singer Cliff Richard on stage. (credit:Tophams/Topham Picturepoint)
Entertainment - Cliff Richard(117 of121)
Cliff Richard prepares himself a breakfast before setting off on another day's work, pleasing thousands of fans all over the country with his singing. (credit:Tophams/Topham Picturepoint)
Customs and Traditions - Christmas Lights Ceremonial Switch On - London(118 of121)
Eager young fans in a close-packed crowd thrust autograph books at singing star Cliff Richard (top left, in front of policeman), at Woolwich. He was switching on the borough's Christmas illuminations in a ceremony at the junction of Powis Street and Castile Road. (credit:PA/PA Archive)
Entertainment - Cliff Richard(119 of121)
Cliff Richard wakes up to a brand new day and who knows; perhaps a new hit song. Pictured at his London flat. (credit:Tophams/Topham Picturepoint)
2i's Coffee Bar plaque unveiled(120 of121)
Handout picture showing fans gathered in the basement of the "Two I's" Coffee Bar in Soho to watch the drum marathon by Rory Blackwell. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Monday September 18, 2006. Cliff Richard joined a host of other singers and musicians as they commemorate what used to be 2i's Coffee Bar, a coffee shop and music venue in the 1950's, on Old Compton Street in Soho, central London. The site, which now houses Boulevard Bar & Dining Room, was having a plaque unveiled as it is credited with being the birthplace of British rock and roll. Westminster City Council has mounted one of its Green Plaques in honour of the 2i's Coffee Bar and its unique contribution to the history of British popular music. PRESS ASSOCIATION PHOTO. Photo credit should read: Topham Picturepoint / PA (credit:Topham Picturepoint/PA Archive)
Music - Bruce Welch Wedding - St Stephen's Church, London(121 of121)
Eighteen year old singing star Cliff Richard at St Stephen's Church, London, where he was best man at the wedding of guitarist Bruce Welch, left, to Anne Findley. The bridegroom is a member of Cliff Richard's musical group 'The Drifters'. (credit:PA/PA Archive)