Cliff Richard Addresses Speculation About His Sexuality

'I’ve lived with that for the whole of my career.'

Sir Cliff Richard has addressed rumours about his sexuality, after being told he would not be prosecuted over historic sex abuse allegations. 

The singer sat down for an interview with close friend Gloria Hunniford during a special edition of 'Loose Women' on Wednesday (22 June), where he was asked why he had never married. 

While insisting he was an open person, Cliff refused to be drawn into either confirming or denying rumours about his sexuality, stating: "It's not your business."

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Cliff Richard appeared on a special edition of 'Loose Women'
ITV

"I’ve lived with that for the whole of my career," he explained. "I always feel that I’m one of the most open people. I’ve done more interviews for TV for sure, for press than anyone else alive on the planet.

"I don’t mind talking about things but there are things that are mine. That will go with me to my grave. And I’ve given up for instance, I don’t talk about my family, I certainly don’t talk about my sexuality.

"I don’t talk about my family because sometimes the press with the best intentions can just twist something a little bit and leave everyone feeling bad about it."

Cliff went on: "My personal life is absolutely my business, and it’s nobody’s business but mine. And I feel that about other people. I read stories in the press about other celebrities and alleged scandals and things going on. And I’m thinking ‘Is it illegal?’ No? If adults do what they want to do behind their bedroom doors it’s absolutely up to them.

"I have no interest. It’s not my business and it’s not your business either about me."

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Cliff was interviewed by close friend Gloria Hunniford
ITV

Last week, it was announced that the Crown Prosecution Service would not be pursuing any case against Sir Cliff after a series of historic sexual abuse allegations were made against him, and South Yorkshire Police apologised for the upset caused to the singer for his treatment at their hands.

Sir Cliff has barely been home to the UK in the past two years, preferring to stay overseas at his various holiday residences.

He made two rare trips, one to perform on his 75th birthday tour, and to sing at the funeral of his close friend Cilla Black.  

'Loose Women' airs weekdays at 12.30pm on ITV.

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